Apparatus and method for pre-treating packaging blanks, and packaging apparatus for producing packaging units

Abstract

The invention relates to an apparatus (6) and to a method for pre-treating packaging blanks (10). Each packaging blanks (10) has, within a planar region, at least two through-openings (14) for receiving at least two articles (12) in order to form a packaging unit (18). A stretching die (44) is provided for widening the at least two through-openings (14) of the packaging blank (10) and is equipped with at least two stretching tools (46). In order to adapt to through-openings (14) that are positioned differently from one another in different designs of packaging blanks (10), the stretching tools (46) can be variably adjusted relative to the stretching die (44) by changing the position of the at least two stretching tools (46). The invention also relates to a packaging apparatus (2) which comprises a pre-treatment module having such a stretching die (44).

Description

[0001] Device and method for pretreating packaging blanks, as well as packaging device for producing packaging units

[0002] The present invention relates to a device and a method for pretreating packaging blanks. Furthermore, the invention relates to a packaging device for producing packaging units consisting of at least two articles and an associated packaging blank.

[0003] Various packaging types are available for processing, assembling, grouping, and packaging items such as beverage containers. A common method involves combining several similar items or containers into portable, relatively manageable units or packaging units. Several methods exist for combining multiple containers into larger packages, such as shrink-wrapping four, six, or even significantly more beverage containers. Producing such packages is usually essential, as they represent the most common type of packaging unit for beverage containers or PET bottles. For transport, these packages are sometimes further grouped and / or stacked in layers and palletized.

[0004] The numerous manufacturing steps involved in using shrink film as packaging material require a relatively high energy input, not least because the shrinking process of the film only occurs under increased heat. Furthermore, the film itself incurs costs for production, supply, handling, and eventual disposal, as it is no longer needed after the sale and unpacking of the items or containers. The machinery required to provide the so-called film wrapping modules and other handling stations also results in high investment costs. Finally, the provision of the shrink tunnel, in which the film wrapped around the containers is shrunk using hot air, also requires a relatively high capital investment. One alternative that can be avoided altogether is strapping.In this process, containers are connected to each other using strapping bands and grouped together to form a package. In continuously or intermittently operating strapping machines, containers, articles, or bottles are grouped into formations and then strapped with one or more bands using strapping units. Typical formations can be, for example, 1x2 arrangements (two containers in a row), 2x2 arrangements (four containers in a square or diamond formation), 3x2, 4x3, or, in principle, variable nxm arrangements.

[0005] Furthermore, various methods of using packaging blanks to form containers are known, with these packaging blanks generally consisting of pre-cut cardboard material. For example, the use of so-called top-grip carton packaging is known, which makes it possible to group several bottles together by their necks by placing these carton packages on top of the previously grouped items.

[0006] Such a gripping carton or cardboard packaging insert typically has an arrangement and number of openings that correspond to the arrangement and number of items or containers to be grouped together. The diameter of the openings is usually slightly smaller than the maximum diameter of the items in the upper area where the respective opening is ultimately to be positioned. The gripping carton or packaging insert is placed onto the items and pressed down, so that a defined upper portion of the items is pushed through the openings.In particular, an upper area with a maximum diameter is pushed through the openings and the edge areas of the openings are brought into contact with the articles below this maximum diameter, so that the gripping carton packaging or the packaging blank is securely and firmly fixed to the articles.

[0007] To secure the gripping carton or packaging blank to the items, especially to push the items through the openings, relatively high application forces may be necessary, particularly with larger groups of items that are to be bundled and packaged in this way. Accordingly, the items must be able to withstand this application force so that they remain intact during the application process.

[0008] The cardboard packaging or the packaging blank must not be damaged.

[0009] To facilitate these application processes and to prepare the packaging blank appropriately, WO 2021 / 043 362 A1 proposes a packaging device and a method for producing packaging units in which several articles are grouped together by a secondary package. The secondary package is formed by a flat packaging blank, which is applied to the prepared groupings of articles as described above. By means of a forming process, the packaging blank is transformed from a flat storage state into a three-dimensional sales state. This forming process can also include widening the edges of the openings, which can be achieved in particular with suitable forming devices. Examples of such forming devices include so-called...Breaking cones or expansion cones are proposed, the arrangement of which corresponds to the arrangement of the openings in the packaging blank.

[0010] A packaging device and a method for producing packaging units are also known from WO 2020 / 233 943 A1. This device also involves pretreating a packaging blank used as packaging material before it is pressed onto several articles to group them together. A pretreatment module is equipped with a stretching die designed to reduce the resistance forces in the edge regions of the openings of the packaging blank during the subsequent application of the packaging blank to the articles. This known stretching die also has several stretching or breaking cones arranged relative to each other in a manner that corresponds to the arrangement of the openings in the packaging blank.

[0011] The expansion matrices mentioned in the above-mentioned documents each represent format parts which, for different article or container formations or when used for differently dimensioned articles or containers, must be replaced by expansion matrices adapted to the changed requirements.

[0012] Since a large number of formats are processed on a packaging machine, and thus a separate die would have to be provided for each format, the primary objective of the present invention can be considered to be to reduce or completely eliminate this disadvantage and to offer an improved way of processing different article or container formations and / or different article or container dimensions without having to completely replace the corresponding pretreatment tool.

[0013] This objective of the invention is achieved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Features of advantageous embodiments of the invention are also found in the respective dependent claims.

[0014] To achieve at least part of the stated objective, the present invention proposes a device for pretreating packaging blanks with the features of the independent claim. The packaging blanks each have at least two openings within a planar area for receiving at least two articles to form a packaging unit comprising the at least two articles and the associated packaging blank. This device according to the invention, which in this context is also referred to as a pretreatment module and is part of a packaging machine, comprises at least one expansion die designed to widen the at least two openings of the packaging blank and equipped with at least two expansion tools.The at least two stretching tools can be variably adjusted to adapt to differently positioned through-holes within different models of packaging blanks by changing the position of the at least two stretching tools relative to the stretching die (or to a stretching die base to which the stretching tools are attached) and / or to each other.

[0015] Since it often proves cumbersome in practice to have to replace such stretching dies whenever the spacing of the openings of a packaging blank to be pre-treated needs to be changed due to a product change, the present invention proposes an adaptation of the stretching die already in use. This adaptation can be achieved by changing the position of some or, optionally, all of the stretching tools on the stretching die.

[0016] In the device according to the invention, the stretching tools can, for example, be mounted on guides, which can in particular be formed by linear guides. By means of such guides or linear guides, at least two spaced-apart stretching tools can be adjusted in their spacing from one another. Advantageously, two or more spaced-apart groups of stretching tools can also be adjusted in their spacing from one another by means of such guides or linear guides.

[0017] The adjustment mechanisms of these guides or linear guides can also be adjusted with suitable devices to transmit the adjustment movements equally to several or even all of the stretching tools. Suitable devices for this purpose include spindle drives, scissor mechanisms, rail bearings, or other guides and transmission mechanisms.

[0018] Suitable actuators for operating the adjustment mechanisms include electric motors, pneumatics, or other drives. These actuators can optionally also ensure that the expansion tools are held in their respective positions. However, maintaining the positions of the expansion tools can also be supported by suitable detent mechanisms.

[0019] Additionally, the device may include further actuators for locking and / or unlocking the expansion tools on the die base (referred to below as the carrier). For example, the expansion tools may be held in a working position by spring tension, with an actuator required to counteract the spring force before any change in position.

[0020] The actuators for (de)locking can be the same as those for adjustment and can, for example, be robots. Such a robot could be one that removes the blanks from a magazine, one that applies the blanks to the articles, or a mobile robot that, in addition to this task, also performs other changeover tasks on the packaging machine or other machines in the system.

[0021] Such a robot, or alternatively an additional robot, can also be responsible for dividing larger sheets of blanks into several smaller packaging blanks, which correspond to the size of the packaging units to be formed.

[0022] In an alternative embodiment of the device according to the invention, the stretching die can, for example, comprise a base plate acting as a support, which has various anchor points for the respective positioning of stretching tools. These anchor points can be distributed across the base plate of the stretching die, particularly in a regular pattern, to provide different positions and / or distances for the stretching tools that can be attached to them. In this way, the stretching tools can be mounted at different positions on the base plate of the stretching die, preferably in a regular arrangement as required for the packaging blanks to be pre-treated.

[0023] Another alternative embodiment of the device according to the invention can be designed such that the expansion die comprises a base plate acting as a support, which has several anchoring strips, each with expansion tools attached to it. By means of such a support structure, the spacing between the several expansion tools attached to each of the anchoring strips can be changed along the anchoring strip.

[0024] In particular, it may be provided that the multiple stretching tools attached to each of the anchoring strips are motor-driven and movable along the anchoring strip.

[0025] Furthermore, it can also be provided that the spacing between the multiple anchoring strips and their respective attached expansion tools is variable. Here, too, it can be advantageous if the multiple anchoring strips, guided on the base plate of the expansion die, are motor-driven and movable along the base plate.

[0026] Optionally, the anchoring strips can each be guided on adjustment rails which can be arranged on opposite longitudinal sides of the base plate of the expansion die, the adjustment rails in particular enabling motorized adjustment of the anchoring strips.

[0027] To perform the described adjustment processes, the expansion die can optionally be equipped with a system of planar motors, each assigned to a specific expansion tool and enabling its movement within the die's footprint. Such planar motors are particularly suitable for executing movements in any direction within a given area. However, since specific, indexed parameters are useful for positioning the expansion tools, the planar motors' range of motion can optionally be limited, for example, to allow only limited travel distances along two perpendicular or diagonal axes.

[0028] Alternatively, instead of any motorized adjustment of the stretching tools on the anchoring strips and / or instead of motorized adjustment of the anchoring strips along the stretching die, a handling robot can be used to change the position of the stretching tools. Thus, in an advantageous embodiment of the device according to the invention, the position and / or distance changes of the stretching tools on the stretching die can be carried out using at least one handling robot.

[0029] The stretch die can optionally be integrated with a manipulator and / or robot, or even be mounted directly on such a manipulator and / or robot, which can then adjust the stretch die to the packaging blanks being pre-treated. If the aforementioned locking mechanisms are also present, which can optionally hold the stretching tools in their respective positions, these locking mechanisms can also be controlled by a handling robot. This robot can, for example, use appropriate handling interventions to ensure that the positions of the stretching tools are maintained by means of suitable locking mechanisms, or released as needed to select and assume other positions.

[0030] The aforementioned handling robot can, in particular, be part of the machine equipment of a packaging machine and / or be operatively connected to the device according to the invention for pretreating the packaging blanks. In principle, it is also possible in this context to use a movably arranged pretreatment module or a movably arranged device for pretreating the packaging blanks. Here, the pretreatment module or the device according to the invention can, in particular, be movably arranged on a handling robot equipped with it, which can also perform the adjustment processes described above to adapt the positions of the stretching tools to the respective requirements.

[0031] As mentioned above, the described adjustment or adaptation processes are normally carried out in connection with a format change and not due to varying opening distances within the same blank. For this reason, different models or patterns of packaging blanks were mentioned above, indicating such a format change.

[0032] Normally, packaging machines like the one discussed here can use expansion dies with multiple expansion tools. Since a change in the position of these tools relative to each other can be achieved simply by changing the installation position of one of them, it is generally not necessary to change the positions of all the tools. Furthermore, it should be noted that we are referring to the position of the expansion tools relative to the expansion die. This clarifies that it is not the position of the die itself that is changed, but rather the position of the expansion tools within the die.

[0033] Furthermore, the present invention proposes a device for pretreating packaging blanks, which is suitable for processing and pretreating packaging blanks which each have at least one opening within a planar area for receiving at least one article to form a packaging unit, wherein such a packaging unit comprises the at least one article and the associated packaging blank.

[0034] This device for pretreating packaging blanks, which in this context is also referred to as a pretreatment module, and which is part of a packaging machine, comprises at least one expansion die which is designed and equipped to widen the at least one opening of the packaging blank.

[0035] This device with at least one expansion die is a modification of the device described above in various embodiments and can be considered, on the one hand, as an alternative version of the present invention. On the other hand, it can also be considered as combinable with the version described above, so that the expansion cones, which are variable in their spacing from one another, can optionally be adjusted in such a way that the respective pre-treated passage openings can be widened to different degrees.

[0036] The at least one expansion die is designed to have a variably adjustable and / or variable opening width and / or a variable contour to influence the extent of the expansion of the through-hole. When, in this context, we refer to an expansion die with a variable opening width and / or contour, we are referring specifically to the expansion tools of the expansion die.

[0037] In this variant of the device according to the invention, it is particularly provided that the stretching die is equipped with at least one stretching tool, wherein the opening width and / or the extent of the expansion of the at least one through-hole during pretreatment of the packaging blanks is / are variably adjustable by means of a variable and / or adjustable contour and / or opening width of the at least one stretching tool of the stretching die. In particular, two, six or more stretching tools are arranged on or are part of the stretching die.

[0038] If stretching tools are arranged on the stretching die, then they are usually the stretching tools that have a variable and / or adjustable contour and / or opening width.

[0039] This expansion during the pretreatment of the packaging blanks is achieved in particular by deforming or bending fixing elements that are arranged on a circumferential inner edge of the through-holes and that are capable of creating snap connections with the articles when the packaging blank is applied to the top of the articles. These fixing elements can be formed, for example, by cardboard fixing tabs that deform when the packaging blanks are applied to the articles and create the desired snap connections to the articles, in particular by engaging under a neck area or widened edge on the top or in the upper area of ​​the articles.

[0040] However, the pretreatment of the packaging blanks can also mean a weakening and / or a pre-breaking of the fixing elements, so that the geometric widening of the passage openings may only be temporary.

[0041] In principle, the term "weakening" can also refer to additional moistening, as this also facilitates the application of the packaging blanks to the articles. This temporary moistening has the advantage that, after the moisture evaporates from the packaging blank, the original strength and / or stiffness can be restored. The packaging blanks can each have exactly four, six, or eight openings for articles. Preferably, the packaging blanks each have more than three openings for articles.

[0042] Preferably, all material of the packaging blank, except for bent-over fixing tabs and / or handle openings, lies in a single plane when placed on the items. "Layer" here does not refer to a mathematical plane, but rather a flat area that has the thickness of the cardboard from which the blank was cut or pressed.

[0043] In other words, the cut simply holds the items together on one level.

[0044] In another embodiment, the blank can have more openings than there are items in the final package, in particular exactly twice or three times as many. In this embodiment, the blank holds the items together on two or more levels. In other words, each item, preferably all of them, pierces the blank at least twice.

[0045] In particular, the cut piece can be folded once or several times before being placed on the items, especially to align any openings.

[0046] In particular, the device may include an additional folding tool which can be approached by the same handling devices or by additional handling devices.

[0047] In another embodiment, an edge of the blank, bent at a substantially 90° angle, encloses the items in the package from the side. In this variant, the items may only pierce the blank once, but are held together over a greater height by the wide surrounding edge.

[0048] When a stretching die is mentioned in this context, it can refer to a stationary device onto which the packaging blanks are placed by a handling robot to perform the desired pretreatment steps. Alternatively, the stretching die can also be guided by a movable swivel arm of a handling robot and brought together with the packaging blanks. In the device according to the invention, the stretching die can be equipped with several stretching tools, the positions and distances of which correspond to the positions and distances of several openings in a packaging blank to be pretreated.

[0049] Furthermore, the stretching tools of the stretching die may each be equipped with adjustable and / or contour-variable stretching cones over which the openings of the packaging blanks to be pre-treated are pushed and thereby stretched and / or widened. For example, it may be advantageous if the cone angles of the stretching cones are variable, at least in sections, to accommodate openings of varying widths and / or packaging blanks of different stiffness.

[0050] Furthermore, one design variant provides that the expansion cones are formed by several adjustable segments whose positions and / or angles relative to each other can be adjusted. In principle, pyramid-shaped, conical, spherical, and / or frustoconical surfaces of the expansion tools are suitable for achieving the desired widening or narrowing of the openings of the packaging blanks that are pushed over them.

[0051] An alternative embodiment of the device according to the invention can also provide that the expansion cones have an expandable ring section whose diameter can be varied by means of hydraulic pressure. A pressure reservoir can be equipped with a variable volume, so that a change in shape of the ring section and thus of the outer surface of the expansion cone in question is made possible by variable filling with incompressible fluid.

[0052] Alternatively, it may also be useful to change the positions of the stretching tools in relation to the packaging blanks, for example by pushing them on less far or by moving the position of the stretching tools further away from the end positions of the fully pushed-on packaging blanks in order to achieve less expansion.

[0053] The expansion tools can be controlled in such a way that they expand each time a new blank needs to be pre-treated. Alternatively, the expansion tools can simply be set to a fixed position before a production run.

[0054] Regardless of how frequently the setting is changed, it can be done either by handling robots with their own drive located on the expansion die, or manually. Locking or releasing a setting can also be achieved using the same elements or additional ones.

[0055] Furthermore, the device according to the invention can be designed to sensorially detect the actuating force required during the pretreatment of the packaging blanks and to use the detected values ​​to control the actuating force and / or to adjust the stretching tools. In this way, for example, the pre-breaking or pretreatment of the packaging blanks can be stopped if defined threshold values ​​of the actuating forces are reached or exceeded.

[0056] In such a variant of the device, at least one of the stretching tools may be equipped with a sensor for detecting the actuating forces during the pretreatment of the packaging blanks. Such a sensor could, for example, be assigned to the stretching die, or alternatively to the handling robots that transfer the packaging blanks to the stretching die.

[0057] Furthermore, it can be advantageous to use a central database that collects and stores information on the different angles of the tool surfaces of the stretching tools and / or the force values ​​required for pretreatment, as well as the container type, material data of the packaging blanks, etc., for later pretreatment steps. The determined relevant values, the threshold and / or target values ​​to be set, can also be used to configure other system components, potentially employing machine learning principles in a meaningful way.

[0058] In the described manner, more stable containers or packaging units can be produced, while maintaining consistent conditions. Adjusting the stretching tools or pre-breaking heads allows the same position to always be reached, thus reducing tool wear on the handling robots. The variable geometries of the stretching tools enable the handling robot to always reach the same end position without having to assume different end positions depending on the settings. To achieve the aforementioned goal, the present invention proposes, in addition to the device described in various embodiments, a method for pretreating packaging blanks with the features of the independent method claim.These packaging blanks to be pre-treated each have at least two spaced-apart openings within a flat area for receiving at least two articles to form a packaging unit comprising the at least two articles and the associated packaging blank.

[0059] Pre-treating the packaging blank involves widening the at least two openings, with the aim of reducing the joining force when applying the packaging blank to the at least two items passing through the openings. This widening and pre-treatment process is carried out using a stretching die with at least two stretching tools.

[0060] The method provides that the distances and / or positions of the at least two stretching tools of the stretching die can be variably adjusted to adapt to differently positioned through-holes within different models of packaging blanks.

[0061] The widening of the openings in the respective packaging blank can be achieved in various ways, as detailed below. For example, radial incisions can be made around the perimeter of the openings, allowing them to be widened by bending the resulting retaining elements. Widening can also be understood as weakening the edges of the originally dimensionally stable openings, as these retaining elements are at least slightly altered in their shape and / or deformation behavior. This results in easier application of the packaging blank to the products and requires less joining force during application. The weakening or geometric widening of the openings associated with widening or pre-stretching can optionally be temporary, but should at least be effective until the application process.

[0062] When pre-stretching, widening, or weakening is mentioned at this point, this optionally also includes targeted moistening of the openings at their edges, which, especially with the most commonly used cardboard material, can also provide the desired reduction of the required joining force when applying the packaging blank to the articles.

[0063] In the method according to the invention, the expansion die can include a base plate acting as a support, which has various anchor points for the respective positioning of expansion tools. The anchor points are distributed in a regular pattern over the base plate of the expansion die to provide different positions and / or distances of the expansion tools attached thereto. Furthermore, preferably, different anchor points on the base plate can be used to change the positions and / or distances of the expansion tools relative to each other.

[0064] In an alternative method variant, it can optionally be provided that the expansion die includes a base plate acting as a support, which has several anchoring strips with expansion tools attached to each of them, wherein the several expansion tools attached to each of the anchoring strips can be changed in their distances to each other along the anchoring strip.

[0065] The multiple anchoring strips with their respective attached expansion tools can, for example, be adjusted in their distances from each other by moving the multiple anchoring strips guided on the base plate along the base plate.

[0066] The displacement movements of the stretching tools on their respective anchoring strips and / or their displacement movements on the base plate of the stretching die, which acts as a support, can be performed either by motors or pneumatic drives, or similar devices. Alternatively, a suitable manipulator or handling robot can be used. For example, the necessary changes in position and / or distance of the stretching tools on the stretching die during a product changeover can be carried out using at least one handling robot.

[0067] Regarding the inventive method for pretreating packaging blanks, the above also applies, namely that in addition to changes in the distance between at least two stretching tools of a stretching die, the openings themselves can also be pretreated or widened in different ways. Thus, in an alternative or additional variant of the inventive method for pretreating the packaging blank, it can be provided that the opening width and / or the extent of the widening of the opening during pretreatment of the packaging blanks can be variably adjusted by means of a variable and / or adjustable contour and / or opening width of the stretching die.For the sake of completeness, it should be noted at this point that the variable opening mode and / or adjustable contour of the expansion tools of the expansion die can be considered an independent part of the invention, optionally also without the aspect of changing the distance between at least two expansion tools explained above.

[0068] The expansion die used in the process variant described here is equipped with at least one expansion tool, wherein the opening width and / or the extent of the expansion of the at least one passage opening during pretreatment of the packaging blanks can be variably adjusted by means of a variable and / or adjustable contour and / or opening width of the at least one expansion tool of the expansion die.

[0069] Typically, the stretching die is equipped with several stretching tools, the positions and spacing of which correspond to the positions and spacing of several through-holes in a packaging blank to be pre-treated. As explained above, the positions and spacing of the multiple through-holes can vary, so the stretching die can also be adjusted accordingly.

[0070] Furthermore, the method for pretreating the packaging blanks provides that the stretching tools of the stretching die are each equipped with adjustable and / or contour-variable stretching cones, over which the openings of the packaging blanks to be pretreated are pushed and thereby stretched and / or widened. For example, the cone angles of the stretching cones can be variable, at least in sections. In addition, the stretching cones of the stretching tools can optionally be formed by several adjustable segments.

[0071] The process can further include the recording of the necessary actuating force during the pretreatment of the packaging blanks, and the use of these values ​​to control the actuating force and / or to adjust the stretching tools. This makes it possible to interrupt the pretreatment of the packaging blanks once a predefined limit for the actuating force has been reached.

[0072] Additionally, it can be useful to monitor the finished packaging units with the attached packaging blanks using a camera inspection, so that image evaluation can determine whether all fixing elements or tabs are locked in place where intended, and / or whether the packaging blank is positioned at the correct height or vertical plane in the finished packaging unit.

[0073] It should be expressly mentioned here that all aspects and embodiments explained in connection with the pretreatment device according to the invention equally relate to or can constitute partial aspects of the inventive method for pretreating packaging blanks. Therefore, whenever certain aspects, relationships, and / or effects are mentioned in the description or in the claim definitions of the device according to the invention, this applies equally to the method according to the invention. Conversely, the same applies, so that all aspects and embodiments explained in connection with the method according to the invention equally relate to or can constitute partial aspects of the inventive device for pretreating packaging blanks.Therefore, if at any point in the description or in the claim definitions for the method according to the invention certain aspects and / or relationships and / or effects are mentioned, this applies equally to the device according to the invention.

[0074] Finally, to achieve the above-mentioned objective, the invention proposes a packaging device for producing packaging units formed by at least two articles and an associated packaging blank, wherein the at least two articles, when connected to the packaging blank, pass through at least section by section through openings in a planar area of ​​the packaging blank.

[0075] This packaging device according to the invention comprises at least one feeding device for the at least two articles, in particular for assemblies of several grouped articles, a pretreatment module for pretreating the packaging blanks for application to the at least two articles or to the assemblies of several grouped articles, and a packaging module for applying and fixing the pretreated packaging blank to the at least two articles.

[0076] Furthermore, the packaging device according to the invention provides that the pretreatment module comprises at least one stretching die, which is designed to widen the at least two openings of the packaging blank and is equipped with at least two stretching tools. The at least two stretching tools are variably adjustable to accommodate differently positioned openings within different packaging blank models by changing the position of the at least two stretching tools relative to the stretching die.

[0077] When a pretreatment module is mentioned in connection with the packaging device according to the invention, this pretreatment module can in particular be a device such as the one described and defined above for pretreating packaging blanks.

[0078] Normally, the pretreatment module is assumed to be a stationary component of the packaging device, positioned at a suitable location between the feeding unit and the packaging module. However, it is also possible to use a movable pretreatment module. In this case, the pretreatment module can be movably mounted on a handling robot equipped with it, which can also perform the adjustment processes described above to adapt the positions of the stretching tools to the respective requirements.

[0079] Optionally, the pretreatment module of the packaging machine may be configured with at least one expansion die, designed and equipped to widen at least one opening in the packaging blank, such that the expansion die has an adjustable and / or variable opening width and / or contour to influence the extent of the opening's widening. As explained above, the expansion die typically comprises several expansion tools, each with the described adjustable and / or variable opening widths and / or contours to influence the extent of the opening's widening.The pretreatment module of the packaging device according to the invention can optionally have at least one first handling robot that removes packaging blanks from a magazine and feeds them to the pretreatment of the at least one expansion die of the pretreatment module. Furthermore, the packaging module of the packaging device can have at least one second handling robot that takes pretreated packaging blanks from the pretreatment module and applies them to the articles.

[0080] In the packaging device according to the invention, at least one optical sensor device for detecting the application processes can be assigned to the packaging module.

[0081] Furthermore, at least one sensor for detecting the actuating force during pretreatment of the packaging blanks can optionally be assigned to the stretching die and / or the first handling robot. The sensor signals from this sensor can be used, for example, to limit and / or control the actuating force during pretreatment and / or application of the packaging blanks to the waiting product groups.

[0082] In this context, it should also be noted that all aspects and embodiments explained in connection with the pretreatment device according to the invention equally relate to or can constitute partial aspects of the packaging machine according to the invention. Therefore, whenever certain aspects, relationships, and / or effects are mentioned in the description or in the definitions of the claims for the device according to the invention, this applies equally to the packaging machine according to the invention, especially since the pretreatment device is a subassembly of the packaging machine or packaging device described herein.

[0083] Finally, it should be noted that the packaging machine is suitable for carrying out the method according to the invention, so that all aspects and embodiments explained in connection with the method according to the invention also relate to, or can relate to, aspects of the packaging machine or packaging device according to the invention. Therefore, whenever certain aspects, relationships, and / or effects are mentioned in the description or in the definitions of the claims relating to the method according to the invention, this applies equally to the packaging machine or packaging device according to the invention.

[0084] The following explanations summarize some aspects of the invention previously described in various embodiments and highlight further connections. Several aspects are clarified, but these should not be seen as contradicting the explanations already given, but rather as more specific embodiments and / or modifications when considered together and / or in cases of doubt. As mentioned several times above, the process steps carried out by the method, the pretreatment module, and / or the packaging device for pretreating already manufactured packaging units are specifically designed to reduce the application force required to secure a gripping carton packaging to a group of items.The packaging units produced in this application step comprise at least two articles or containers, on which at least one packaging blank, at least partially formed flat, is arranged, wherein the packaging blank has at least one opening for the at least two grouped articles in the flat area.

[0085] The articles or containers can be, for example, beverage containers, in particular bottles made of PET or another suitable plastic. Preferably, the articles or containers can also be made of plastic and / or aluminum or another metal, etc. However, the packaging device is also suitable for attaching and securing a corresponding packaging blank to other suitable articles or containers.

[0086] The flat packaging blank can be made from recyclable cellulose-based materials. Specifically, it can be made from cardboard and / or paperboard, which can be easily recycled after use. Alternatively, the flat packaging blank can be made from plastic, particularly single-material thermoplastics, which are also readily recyclable.

[0087] Furthermore, the flat packaging blank may have several cutouts, which may together form a carrying handle. Optionally, the flat packaging blank can be composed of several cellulose-containing layers or a combination of different materials, including various recycled materials.

[0088] The packaging blanks can each have exactly four, six, or eight openings for items. Preferably, the packaging blanks each have more than three openings for items.

[0089] Preferably, all material of the packaging blank, except for bent-over fixing tabs and / or handle openings, lies in a single plane when placed on the items. "Layer" here does not refer to a mathematical plane, but rather a flat area that has the thickness of the cardboard from which the blank was cut or pressed.

[0090] In other words, the cut simply holds the items together on one level.

[0091] In another embodiment, the blank can have more openings than there are items in the final package, in particular exactly twice or three times as many. In this embodiment, the blank holds the items together on two or more levels. In other words, each item, preferably all of them, pierces the blank at least twice.

[0092] In particular, the cut piece can be folded once or several times before being placed on the items, especially to align any openings.

[0093] In particular, the device may include an additional folding tool which can be approached by the same handling devices or by additional handling devices.

[0094] In another embodiment, an edge of the blank, bent at a substantially 90° angle, encloses the items in the package from the side. In this variant, the items may only pierce the blank once, but are held together over a greater height by the wide surrounding edge.

[0095] A packaging device for producing packaging units comprises at least one feeding device for the single item to be packaged or for assemblies of several items, a pretreatment module for preparing the packaging blank for application to the at least one item, and at least one packaging module for applying and securing the packaging blank to the groupings of items. The pretreatment module is designed to reduce resistance in an edge region of the at least one opening of the packaging blank during the subsequent application of the packaging blank to the at least one item.

[0096] The smallest variant of such packaging units consists of at least two items or containers, which are grouped together by at least one primary secondary packaging element in the form of a flat packaging blank. All characteristics described here relating to such packaging units also apply analogously or in a suitably adapted manner to packaging units comprising only one item and a packaging blank attached to it. In this case, the packaging blank may be designed as a carrying handle, which, however, is not described in detail here.

[0097] Furthermore, it is possible for the items or containers of the packaging units to be additionally bundled together by a second secondary packaging material. Such a second secondary packaging material can, for example, consist of at least one band- or strip-like, closed strapping that is stretched horizontally around one outer surface of the items or containers and optionally fixed at a contact point with at least one of the items.

[0098] Typically, after the packaging blank is determined, a defined upper portion of the items is located above the blank, while a defined lower portion is located below it. In a preferred embodiment, less than one-fifth of the item volume is located above the uppermost (if there are multiple) openings in the blank. In particular, a pouring opening for the items is also located above the uppermost opening.

[0099] As explained in the context of this description using various design variants, the openings of the packaging blank feature suitable fixing devices, which can be formed, for example, by fixing tabs. These fixing tabs are formed, for instance, by cuts or similar features extending radially from the openings.

[0100] After the packaging blank is positioned and attached to the items, it engages with them in such a way that it is essentially fixed in place, preventing any significant relative movement or changes in position between the items or the packaging blank – this applies in the plane in which the packaging blank is positioned. If the blank is made of thin cardboard, it may be flexible after being fixed, allowing the items to move along their longitudinal axes or in the direction of insertion through the openings. Rotation of the items around their longitudinal axis, as well as around another axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, may still be possible. Applying an additional secondary packaging layer can be particularly useful to prevent this latter possibility.

[0101] The packaging blank can only be removed from the items of the product group with increased force and an upward force component, whereby the packaging blank is usually at least partially or partially destroyed.

[0102] The packaging device comprises at least one feeding unit through which the at least two articles are fed. Preferably, the articles are pre-assembled in a suitable number and arrangement as article groups, and these article groups are fed to a packaging module via the at least one feeding unit. In the packaging module, a packaging blank is applied to and secured to the article group. For this purpose, a packaging blank is taken from a magazine and prepared in a pre-treatment module for application to the at least two articles of the article group. The pre-treatment module includes at least one device designed to reduce resistance in an edge region of the openings of the packaging blank during the subsequent application of the packaging blank to the at least two articles.

[0103] For this purpose and according to the present invention, the pretreatment module comprises at least one expansion die, optionally a plurality of expansion dies, which is / are particularly suitable for expanding and / or widening the edge regions of the at least one passage opening in the manner described. In this case, the pretreatment at least slightly increases the mean diameter of the passage openings. This allows an upper region of the articles with a maximum diameter, which is preferably at least slightly larger than the mean diameter of the passage openings, to be more easily passed through the respective passage opening.

[0104] In particular, the application force with which the respective packaging blank is pressed onto the articles is significantly reduced compared to the application force required to apply a packaging blank to the articles without pretreatment. This ensures that the upper part of the articles, with its maximum diameter, is positioned above the packaging blank and the lower part below it. Consequently, the risk of damaging the articles during application is also reduced compared to conventional packaging devices and methods. In this case, even articles with a thinner wall can be used without being damaged during application.

[0105] During pretreatment, the packaging blank is pressed against the stretching dies, so that the stretching tools of the dies engage in certain areas through the openings, and in particular with the edges of the openings. This causes an expansion or other modification of the edges of the openings.

[0106] In particular, the material is weakened in the edge regions of the through-holes. Preferably, the expansion dies increase the average diameter of the through-holes.

[0107] In particular, an existing connection between tabs arranged in the edge area of ​​the penetration openings may be torn open or broken at least partially and / or in some areas (some tab connections, but not all tab connections) during pre-breaking.

[0108] In particular, predetermined breaking points can be incorporated between adjacent tabs during the punching process. These can be introduced, for example, as scored lines or indentations during the production of the blank. A tab is essentially trapezoidal, whereby one or two lines of the trapezoid may be slightly curved. The curves may have the center of the opening as their radius center.

[0109] The stretching tools of the stretching die can be, for example, conical or frustoconical, with the cone apex or the side with the smaller cross-sectional area facing upwards. In this case, the stretching dies can be suitable for different article sizes. Depending on the average diameter of the openings, the packaging blank can be pressed down accordingly to widen the openings as desired.

[0110] The stretching tools can be essentially trapezoidal in cross-section along their longitudinal axis in certain areas.

[0111] The arrangement, number, and positioning of the stretching tools on the respective stretching dies correspond to the arrangement, number, and positioning of the openings in the packaging blank. This allows the stretching dies to be quickly and easily adapted to a planned product change using the position-adjustable stretching tools, without requiring time-consuming retooling.

[0112] When pretreating the packaging blanks, it may be specifically provided that the average diameter of the openings is increased during pretreatment.

[0113] In particular, it is possible that fixing tabs formed in the respective edge area of ​​the openings may be folded over, at least in some areas, so that the fixing tabs subsequently protrude from a plane in which the openings are arranged.

[0114] The following exemplary embodiments of the invention and its advantages will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying figures. The relative sizes of the individual elements in the figures do not always correspond to the actual relative sizes, as some shapes are simplified and others are enlarged for better illustration. Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of an embodiment of a packaging device according to the invention, which serves to package articles using packaging blanks.

[0115] Figures 2A to 2E show, in various schematic views, successive process steps that take place sequentially during the application of packaging blanks to grouped articles.

[0116] Figures 3A to 3E show further schematic views of several process steps in a first variant of the pretreatment of packaging blanks, which are subsequently applied to groupings of articles.

[0117] Figures 4A to 4C show schematic views of further process steps in a second variant of the pretreatment of packaging blanks, which are subsequently applied to groupings of articles.

[0118] Figures 5A to 5D show schematic views of further process steps in a third variant of the pretreatment of packaging blanks, which are subsequently applied to groupings of articles.

[0119] Fig. 6 shows a schematic side view of a first variant of a packaging device, which serves for the pretreatment of packaging blanks and their use in the formation of packaging units.

[0120] Fig. 7 shows a schematic side view of a second variant of the packaging device, which serves for the pretreatment of packaging blanks and their use in the formation of packaging units.

[0121] Figures 8A to 8C show schematic top views of a first variant of a stretching die with adjustable stretching tools arranged on it, which can be used for the pretreatment of packaging blanks.

[0122] Figures 9A to 9E show, in further schematic top views, a second variant of a stretching die with adjustable stretching tools arranged on it, which can be used for the pretreatment of packaging blanks.

[0123] Fig. 10A shows a schematic view of an embodiment of the packaging device according to the invention, which serves to package articles using packaging blanks. Fig. 10B shows a schematic view of the interaction of two

[0124] Handling robots that can be part of the packaging device according to Fig. 10A.

[0125] Fig. 11 shows a schematic top view of a modified embodiment of a packaging device according to the invention, compared to the representation in Fig. 10A.

[0126] Figures 12A to 12C show schematic longitudinal sections of different embodiments of adjustable stretching tools that can be part of a pretreatment module of the packaging device according to the invention.

[0127] Figures 13A to 13E show in schematic longitudinal sections further different embodiments of adjustable stretching tools that can be part of a pretreatment module of the packaging device according to the invention.

[0128] Figures 14A and 14B show in schematic longitudinal sections a further embodiment of an adjustable stretching tool operating with fluidic control pressure, which can form a component of a pretreatment module of the packaging device according to the invention.

[0129] Fig. 15A shows a schematic representation of the interactions of a packaging device equipped with several sensors, in which the sensor values ​​can be evaluated to determine an actuating force during the pretreatment of packaging blanks.

[0130] Fig. 15B shows a schematic longitudinal section view of an embodiment of an adjustable stretching tool, which is equipped with sensors for detecting an actuating force during the pretreatment of packaging blanks, wherein the stretching tool is part of the pretreatment module of the packaging device according to Fig. 15A.

[0131] For identical or similarly acting elements of the invention, the following description of the figures generally uses the same reference numerals. Furthermore, for the sake of clarity, in many cases only those reference numerals are used in the individual figures that are necessary for the description of the respective figure. The embodiments shown are merely examples of how the device or method according to the invention for pretreating packaging blanks can be designed and do not represent an exhaustive limitation. Moreover, the features described below are not to be understood as closely related to other features of the respective embodiment, but can each be provided for or used in a general context.

[0132] The schematic representation in Fig. 1 illustrates the basic components and the process steps involved in the production of packaging units. For this purpose, a packaging device 2 is used, which can produce packaging units 18 consisting of at least two articles 12 and an associated packaging blank 10 (see Fig. 2D). The at least two articles 12, when connected to the packaging blank 10, pass at least partially through openings 14 in a planar area of ​​the packaging blank 10 (see Fig. 2A).

[0133] The packaging device 2 comprises at least one feeding device 4 for the at least two articles 12, wherein these two or more articles 12 can be fed to the packaging device 2 in particular in grouped form, i.e. as an article grouping 20.

[0134] Furthermore, the packaging device 2 includes a pretreatment module 6 for pretreating the packaging blanks 10 in order to prepare them for application to the at least two articles 12 or to the article grouping 20. To clarify that the packaging blanks 10 are thus prepared for application to the articles 12, they are designated with the reference numeral 10v in the following description and in the drawing.

[0135] This pretreatment module 6 is equipped with at least one expansion die 44 (see Figures 6 to 9E and Figures 10A ff.) which is designed to widen the at least one through-opening 14 of the packaging blank 10 and is equipped with at least two expansion tools 46 (see also Figures 6 to 9E and Figures 10A ff.). As illustrated in more detail in Figures 6 ff., the at least two expansion tools 46 can be variably adjusted to accommodate differently positioned through-openings 14 within different models of packaging blanks 10 by changing the positions of the at least two expansion tools 46 relative to the expansion die 44 on which they are mounted.Furthermore, the packaging device 2 includes a packaging module 8 for applying and securing the pre-treated packaging blanks 10v to the at least two articles 12 of the respective article grouping 20, thereby combining them into packaging units 18. These packaging units 18, which are normally produced in large numbers in continuous production sequence using the packaging device 2, can then be subjected to further processing, e.g., repackaging with tertiary packaging materials and / or assembly into palletizable layer arrangements for stacking and palletizing.

[0136] These positional changes of the stretching tools 46 within the stretching die 44 will be described in detail below using exemplary embodiments and illustrated graphically with reference to Figures 6 to 9E.

[0137] Furthermore, the schematic views of Figures 2A to 2E will first be used to explain the essential principles of combining article groups 20 by attaching a packaging blank 10, before further features of the present invention will be illustrated in the further figures, i.e. in Figures 3A to 9E.

[0138] The schematic top view of Fig. 2A illustrates a first embodiment of a packaging blank 10, which can be used to group articles 12 (see Fig. 2B) by passing these articles 12 with their outer surfaces through appropriately provided passage openings 14 and being locked into place with the edge areas 16 of the passage openings 14.

[0139] Furthermore, the schematic top view in Fig. 2B shows an article 12 from above, which can be combined with several other similar or identical articles 12 by the packaging blank 10 according to Fig. 2A to form a packaging unit 18 (see Fig. 2D) or a container. The schematic side views in Figures 2C and 2D schematically show the application of such a packaging blank 10 to an assembly of articles 12 according to Fig. 2B. Such an assembly of different sizes, which is adapted to the packaging blank 10 with which the articles 12 are fitted with regard to the number and arrangement of the articles 12 contained therein, shall in this context also be referred to as an article grouping 20. Preferably, the articles 12 can be beverage containers in the form of bottles or cans 22 made of plastic and / or aluminum or of another suitable metal or material.The packaging device and the method for producing packaging units 18, which are explained in more detail below, are also suitable for attaching and securing a corresponding packaging blank 10 to other suitable articles 12. These could include, in addition to the cans 22 shown, for example, mineral glass bottles, PET beverage containers, or the like.

[0140] The articles 12 typically have an annular widening in their upper region, against which the packaging blank 10 can be secured, in particular by a snap-fit ​​mechanism. Specifically, the cans 22 have an annular lid rim 24. Below this lid rim 24, the cans 22 have at least a slight taper 26 or constriction 26 of a smaller diameter than the lid rim 24. As can be seen in the schematic side view of Fig. 2C, the constriction 26 located below the lid rim 24 has a slightly smaller diameter than the outer surface 28 of the respective can 22 located below the constriction 26, and also a smaller diameter than the lid rim 24 located above the constriction 26.

[0141] The cans 22 may in particular be beverage cans known from the prior art, which in the present context may also be designated with the reference number 22.

[0142] Preferably, the packaging blank 10 is positioned on the assembly or grouping 20 of at least two such cans 22 below the lid rim 24, as designated here, in the area of ​​the taper 26 or constriction 26 on the cans 22. Thus, after the packaging blank 10 is applied to the articles 12 formed by the cans 22, a portion of these articles 12 or cans 22 is located above the packaging blank 10, namely, in particular, the can lid with the can closure 30 illustrated in Fig. 2B, while the remaining portion of the articles 12 or cans 22, including their respective outer surfaces 28, is located below the packaging blank 10. In particular, it is provided that the packaging blank 10 is fixed in this position by the articles 12 or cans 22 and that, conversely, the articles 12 or cans 22 are also fixed by the packaging blank 10.If, for example, the articles 12 are bottles made of PET or another suitable plastic material with a screw cap, the bottle has a widening area below the screw cap in the form of the so-called neck ring (not shown here). Below the neck ring, the diameter of the bottle is again reduced in some areas and widens downwards into the body of the bottle. Specifically, it is intended that the packaging blank 10, after being applied to an assembly of bottles, is positioned below the neck ring of the bottle's closure area. Thus, after the packaging blank 10 is applied to the bottles, the closure area and the neck ring of the bottles are located above the packaging blank 10, while the remaining part of the bottles is located below the packaging blank 10.

[0143] The packaging blank 10 is preferably substantially planar and has the circular openings 14 for the articles 12 or cans 22 shown in Figures 2A, 2C and 2D. The packaging blank 10 is designed such that it can be placed or pressed onto the articles 12 or cans 22 from above, with the articles 12 passing at least partially through the openings 14, so that after the packaging blank 10 is attached to an article grouping 20, the articles 12 are located partly above and partly below the packaging blank 20.

[0144] After the packaging blank 10 has been defined, a defined upper area of ​​the articles 12 or cans 22 is located above the packaging blank 10, while a defined lower area of ​​the articles 12 or cans 22 is arranged below the packaging blank 10. In particular, an edge area 16, which limits the openings 14, abuts the outer surface 28 of the articles 12 or cans 22, as is illustrated by the example of such a packaging unit 18 in Fig. 2D.

[0145] Preferably, the openings 14 of the packaging blank 10 can have suitable fixing devices, which can be formed, for example, by fixing tabs so designated herein. Such fixing tabs can be formed by incisions extending radially from the openings 14, which, however, are not shown in Fig. 2A. Figures 3A to 3E, however, clearly show these fixing tabs. After the packaging blank 10 has been arranged and fastened to the articles 12 formed by the cans 22, it engages with the cans 22 in such a way that the packaging blank 10 is essentially fixed in position to the cans 22 and the cans 22 can no longer make any significant relative movements or changes in position relative to each other or to the packaging blank 10.

[0146] Thus, the packaging blank 10 can only be removed from the articles 12 or cans 22 of the article grouping 20 with increased force and a force component pointing away from the articles 12, i.e., in particular upwards, whereby the packaging blank 10 is usually at least partially destroyed.

[0147] Such packaging blanks 10, as shown here, are also referred to as top gripper carton packaging. In principle, the packaging blanks 10 can also be considered secondary packaging for grouping several primary packages, namely the cans 22.

[0148] The packaging blank 10 preferably consists of a suitable cardboard material, a plastic material, a cardboard-plastic composite material or similar, which is normally formed into the shape shown in Figures 2A and 3A by a die-cutting process.

[0149] To produce a packaging unit 18 (see Fig. 2D), a packaging blank 10 is pretreated in a suitable manner to reduce the resistance of the packaging blank 10 in the edge areas 16 that define the openings 14 when the packaging blank 10 is applied to the at least two articles 12 or cans 22. The pretreated packaging blank 10 will subsequently also be designated by the more precise reference numeral 10v to clarify that the packaging blank 10 has undergone the pretreatment steps described below.

[0150] The pre-treated packaging blank 10v is placed on a corresponding assembly or grouping of articles 20 of at least two articles 12 and, according to Fig. 2C, is pressed at least partially onto the articles 12 of the grouping 20 by an application force F directed at least partially downwards or parallel to the longitudinal axes of the upright articles 12 or cans 22, in particular by means of a downward pressure force applied as evenly as possible to the top of the pre-treated packaging blank 10v, and thereby fixed to the articles 12 or cans 22.

[0151] Due to the pretreatment already mentioned and explained in more detail below, and the resulting reduction in resistance, the application force F can be significantly reduced compared to the pressure force required for an untreated packaging blank 10. This makes it possible to attach packaging blanks 10v even to articles 12 that, for example, have a thinner wall and are therefore less stable under applied pressure and at risk of buckling. In this way, material consumption for the articles 12 can be reduced, as even thinner-walled and mechanically less stable articles 12 can be bundled together using such a packaging blank 10 or 10v.

[0152] Furthermore, the advantageous reduction of the resistance force and thus the application force F makes it possible to apply several packaging blanks 10v simultaneously or almost simultaneously to larger groupings 20 of upright articles 12 or beverage cans 22, thereby increasing the machine performance of a packaging machine involved in this process.

[0153] Since Fig. 2A shows an example of a small-area packaging blank 10 with only four openings 14 punched in a rectangular arrangement for grouping a product group 20 of only four products 12 or cans 22, it should be noted with reference to Fig. 2E that such packaging blanks 10 can also be significantly larger and may, for example, be suitable for grouping product groups 20 of twenty-four or more products 12 or cans 22 in the manner described.

[0154] The packaging blank 10 shown in Fig. 2E has four rows, each with six openings 14, arranged side by side or one above the other, also in a rectangular arrangement, as already shown by way of example in Fig. 2A. However, this does not preclude other arrangements of the articles 12 relative to each other, so that they can, for example, optionally be grouped in a close sphere packing or hexagonal arrangement, whereby the lines of contact between the articles 12 can be connected to each other in a top view by triangles. In addition, it is also conceivable to make the packaging blanks 10 significantly larger than shown by way of example in Fig. 2E.

[0155] In this context, reference should also be made to Figures 3A to 3E, which already show the layout of a corresponding packaging blank 10 (Fig. 3A) and its application to a grouping of articles 20 (Fig. 3C) formed from four identical cans 22. The cans 22, which constitute the articles 12 to be grouped together as packaging unit 18 (cf. Fig. 2D), can preferably be the same as those shown in an exemplary top view in Fig. 2B. The packaging blanks 10 shown in Figures 3A to 3C can also optionally be larger and have more than four openings 14, as can already be seen from the schematic top view in Fig. 2E.

[0156] Figure 3A shows an untreated packaging blank 10, which may have been cut from a cardboard sheet, for example, by a die-cutting process. In contrast, the top view in Figure 3B illustrates such a packaging blank 10 according to Figure 3A, which has undergone pretreatment and is therefore designated by the reference numeral 10v. Figure 3C shows a packaging unit 18 formed by four articles 12 in the form of cans 22, which are grouped together by means of a pretreated packaging blank 10v applied to the articles 12 or cans 22.

[0157] The sectional views of figures 3D and 3E also show a partial area of ​​the packaging blank 10 and 10v respectively, in particular a partial area showing the passage opening 14 according to figures 3A and 3B in a cross-sectional view.

[0158] As can be seen in Figures 3A and 3B, the packaging blank 10 has four through-holes 14 with an average or mean diameter d14. In the edge regions 16 that define each of the through-holes 14, fixing tabs 32, as designated here, are formed. The fixing tabs 32 are formed, in particular, by radial incisions 34 extending from the through-holes 14. The radial incisions 34 extend outwards from the inner edge region 16 of each through-hole 14, i.e., towards a diameter larger than the actual dimension d14 of the through-holes 14. The radial incisions 34 can be distributed regularly and in greater numbers around the round through-holes 14, as schematically indicated in Figure 3A.When the packaging blank 10 is pressed onto suitable stretching tools 46, as described below in connection with Figures 6 and 7, or by other suitable forming devices, these fixing tabs 32 are at least partially pressed and / or bent in the same direction as required by the subsequent application process. Since the fixing tabs 32 deflect upwards during an application process of the packaging blank 10 according to Fig. 2C, they are thus sensibly also bent and pre-formed in the same direction by means of the stretching tools. The fixing tabs 32, thus pre-formed and pre-stretched, now project upwards beyond the plane of the packaging blank 10 or 10v in which the through-openings 14 are located, as is schematically illustrated in the sectional view of Fig. 3E.

[0159] By pressing upwards and / or bending the fixing tabs 32 upwards, the mean diameter of such a pre-treated passage opening 14 increases, which is characterized by the reference numeral d14v. In particular, the mean diameter d14 of a passage opening 14 of a packaging blank 10 before pre-treatment is smaller than the mean diameter d14v of a passage opening 14v of a packaging blank 10v after pre-treatment. Thus, in this context, such a pre-treated or widened passage opening 14 is designated by the reference numeral 14v (see Fig. 3E).

[0160] However, the increased mean diameter d14v of such a pre-treated passage opening 14v after pre-treatment is preferably still at least slightly less than a maximum mean diameter of the articles 12 in their upper region, in particular in an upper region which is located in the finished packaging unit 18 above the packaging blank 10v fixed to the articles 12.

[0161] Preferably, in the finished packaging unit 18, the fixing tabs 32 are engaged with the underside of the respective lid edge 24 of the cans 22 in such a way that the packaging blank 10 is firmly fixed to the cans 22 and cannot slip upwards (see also Fig. 2D).

[0162] Alternatively, the packaging blank 10 can also be provided with perforations extending radially away from the through-openings 14. When the packaging blank 10 is pressed onto the stretching tools, these perforations can break open, forming corresponding fixing tabs 32 which are bent upwards when the packaging blank 10 is pressed further onto the stretching tools, as illustrated in Fig. 3E.

[0163] Furthermore, a packaging blank 10 without such fixing tabs 32 or a packaging blank 10 without corresponding perforations for forming fixing tabs 32 can also be expanded by pressing it onto appropriately designed stretching tools in the area of ​​the passage openings 14 and thus provided with an at least slightly increased mean diameter d14v. In this process, the material from which the packaging blank 10 consists is compressed and / or pressed together in the immediate edge areas 16 that define the passage openings 14.

[0164] The further schematic top views in Figures 4A to 4C show a further embodiment of a packaging blank 10, which differs slightly from that shown in Figures 3A to 3E, and the corresponding pretreatment and application of such a packaging blank 10 to a grouping of articles 20. The packaging blank 10 is similar in layout to the packaging blanks 10 shown in Figures 2A and 3A, with their four through-openings 14 for interaction with the lid edges 24 of correspondingly dimensioned cans 22.

[0165] Figure 4A shows an untreated packaging blank 10, while Figure 4B shows a pretreated packaging blank 10v. In the pretreatment, narrow incisions 36 and / or (micro)perforations are made in the edge areas 16 of the openings 14 to reduce the resistance in these areas. These pretreated edge areas 16 are therefore additionally marked with the reference numeral 16v in Figure 4B.

[0166] In particular, the narrow incisions 36 thus formed extend radially from the through-openings 14. When the pre-treated packaging blank 10 is pressed directly onto the articles 12 or cans 22, the partial areas 38 formed between the incisions 36 can be pushed upwards with minimal force. In this embodiment, it is also provided that the partial areas 38 engage below a maximum article diameter in a specific area, thereby firmly fixing the packaging blank 10v to the articles 12 or cans 22. A packaging unit 18 completed in this manner, containing four cans 22 held together by such a packaging blank 10v, is illustrated in the schematic top view of Fig. 4C.

[0167] Furthermore, it may be provided that the pretreatment is carried out in at least two stages, wherein in a first pretreatment step the incisions 36 and / or (micro)perforations are made in the packaging blank 10 and in a second process step the packaging blank 10v thus pretreated is pressed onto a stretching tool provided accordingly, as described below in connection with Figures 6 and 7.

[0168] The schematic top views of Figures 5A to 5D also show a third embodiment of a packaging blank 10 and the corresponding pretreatment and application of such a pretreated packaging blank 10v to a grouping of articles 20.

[0169] In particular, Fig. 5A shows an untreated packaging blank 10, which is fundamentally no different from the packaging blank 10 according to Fig. 4A, since in both cases the edge region 16 of each opening 14 describes a continuous circular contour and can typically be produced by a die-cutting process. The schematic top view of Fig. 5B shows a pretreated packaging blank 10v. In connection with this pretreatment step, the packaging blank 10 is made more unstable and pliable in the edge regions 16 of its openings 14 by moistening. This type of pretreatment is particularly suitable for packaging blanks 10 made of cardboard material that do not have a water-impermeable coating.

[0170] By moistening, for example by applying water vapor or another suitable fluid to the relevant areas of the packaging blank 10 via a steaming device, the material of which the packaging blank 10 is made can be softened, at least in certain areas, and thus made more pliable. In particular, this selectively moistens the edge areas 16 that define the openings 14 for the articles 12 or cans 22.

[0171] That such a pretreatment step can at least slightly enlarge the pretreated openings 14v is illustrated by the changed diameter d14v of the openings 14v pretreated in this way, as shown in Fig. 5B. The changed diameter d14v of the openings 14v pretreated by local moistening can be at least slightly larger than the respective diameters d14 of the original openings 14 in the original state of the packaging blank 10 (see Fig. 5A and Fig. 5B).

[0172] The packaging blank 10v with the edge areas 16v softened in this way (see Fig. 5B) can now be applied to the articles 12 or cans 22 with reduced force (Fig. 5C).

[0173] Furthermore, a drying step can be provided subsequently, in which the moistened edge areas 16v of the pre-treated packaging blank 10v applied to the articles 12 or cans 22 are dried again by a suitable drying device, for example by means of drying air or similar. During drying, the edge areas 16 regain their original stability according to the material properties of the packaging blank 10, so that the packaging blank 10 can thereby be more firmly fixed to the articles 12 or cans 22 and fit more securely there (see Fig. 5D).

[0174] If the packaging blank 10 is made of a thermoelastic plastic, for example, its elastic properties can be increased by selective heating, in particular by heating the edge regions 16 that define the openings 14. After the packaging blank 10v, with appropriately pretreated, in particular heated, edge regions 16e of the openings 14 (see Fig. 5C), has been applied to a grouping of articles 18, the edge regions 16 of the openings 14 conform particularly advantageously to the outer surfaces of the articles 12 or cans 22 upon cooling.

[0175] The schematic side view in Fig. 6 shows a first embodiment of a part of a packaging device 2 with a pretreatment module 6, as already described above with reference to Fig. 1. A packaging blank 10 is removed from a magazine 42 by means of a suitable gripper head 40, for example a vacuum gripper 14, and transferred to the pretreatment module 6. This pretreatment module 6 comprises the stretching dies 44 mentioned several times above, which are required for pretreating the packaging blanks 10. Each of these stretching dies 44, as referred to here, is equipped with a number of stretching tools 46 that corresponds to the number of openings 14 in the packaging blank 10 to be pretreated. The arrangement of the stretching tools 46 within the stretching die 44 must also correspond to the arrangement of the openings 14 in the packaging blank 10.Thus, the stretching tools 46 are in a relative arrangement that corresponds to the arrangement of the articles 12 or cans 22 in the finished packaging unit 18.

[0176] In the present case, the stretching tools 46 of the stretching die can, for example, each be formed by stretching cones 48, as designated here. The at least one gripper head 40, which removes the packaging blanks 10 from the magazine 42 and transfers them to the pretreatment module 6, can, for example, be formed by a vacuum suction device 50 or the like.

[0177] Each individual packaging blank 10, which is located on the vacuum suction cup 50 of the gripper head 40, is pressed onto the expansion cones 48 by means of the gripper head 40 or placed over the expansion cones 48, so that each expansion cone 48 protrudes through each through-opening 14 of the packaging blank 10.

[0178] The packaging blank 10 is pressed downwards on the expansion cones 48 at least to such an extent that the edge regions 16 of the passage openings 14 are stretched by the downwardly widening cross-section of the expansion cones 48, thereby increasing the diameter of the passage openings 14 at least slightly. Subsequently, the packaging blank 10v, thus pre-treated, is conveyed by the gripper head 40, which still holds the packaging blank 10v, to the downstream packaging module 8 and applied to a waiting grouping of articles 20.

[0179] Due to the inclined or conical shape of the expansion cones 48, each with its upward-pointing tip, the packaging blank 10 is centered and precisely positioned or aligned. Optionally, the packaging blank 10 can be released from the gripper head 40, at least briefly, for centering. The pre-treated packaging blank 10v can then be precisely picked up by the gripper head 40 and placed onto a corresponding assembly of articles 12 or cans 22, i.e., onto an article grouping 20, and secured by pressing down on them. The schematic side view in Fig. 7 shows a second embodiment of a part of a packaging device 2 with a pre-treatment module 6, as already described above with reference to Fig. 1.In this second embodiment, the packaging blank 10 is completely released within the pretreatment module 6 by the gripper head 40 and pressed onto the expansion cones 48 with the aid of a suitable tool 52, formed, for example, by a pressure stamp 54, in order to widen the edge areas 16 of the passage openings 14 and thus reduce the resistance of the packaging blank 10 in the edge areas 16 during subsequent application to the articles 12 or cans 22.

[0180] The remaining components of the second embodiment of the packaging device 2 shown in Fig. 7 correspond essentially to the components of the first embodiment of the packaging device 2 shown in Fig. 6 already described above, even though no corresponding references are given in each case.

[0181] Following the application of the packaging blank 10v to the expansion cones 48 of the expansion tool 46, the packaging blank 10v, thus pretreated, is picked up by a further gripper head 56, which may also be designed as a vacuum suction cup 58, for example, and conveyed from the pretreatment module 6 to the downstream packaging module 8.

[0182] It should be noted here that several expansion cones 48, arranged regularly or in an expansion die 44, can optionally be used as combined modules and not only inserted together into the packaging machine 2 or its pretreatment module 6, but can also be removed from there as needed. This can be useful, for example, when changing products and processing packaging blanks 10 with changed dimensions or spacing of the openings 14 and / or changed diameters of the openings 14, or when processing packaging blanks 10 with a different number of openings 14 per packaging blank 10, etc. However, the option of modularly exchanging a plurality of expansion cones 48 or an expansion die 44 with a plurality of regularly arranged expansion cones 48 will not be considered in detail here.As will be explained further below with reference to other embodiment variants, several regularly arranged expansion cones 48 within an expansion die 44 of the expansion tool 46 considered here can also be regarded as combined modules and their relative positions to each other can be changed, which can be a particularly useful option and an essential part of the present invention when changing products and processing packaging blanks 10 with changed dimensions or spacing of the passage openings 14 and / or changed diameters of the passage openings 14 or also when processing packaging blanks 10 with a different number of passage openings 14 per packaging blank 10.

[0183] Based on the eight schematic top views in Figures 8A to 9E, various design variants and configurations of a stretching die 44 which can be equipped with different numbers of stretching tools 46 can be illustrated, whereby the stretching tools 46 can also be arranged in different positions on the stretching die 44.

[0184] Figures 8A, 8B, and 8C illustrate a first embodiment of an expansion die 44, which has a base plate 60 with a larger number of regularly distributed anchor points 62 across its surface for the variable mounting of the expansion tools 46 using different arrangement patterns on the base plate 60 by using some of the anchor points 62 and omitting others. The exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 8A is a rectangular base plate 60 of the expansion die 44 with a total of thirty-two anchor points 62, which can be formed, for example, by openings 64 in the base plate 60, in order to screw the expansion tools 46 onto them or, for example, to attach them by means of suitable quick-release fasteners (not shown here) and position them accordingly.

[0185] Along one long side of the base plate 60, for example, there can be five openings 64 serving as anchor points 62, each equally spaced apart. In addition, along one short side of the base plate 60, there can be four openings 64 serving as anchor points 62, also equally spaced apart. This results in four rows of five openings 64 distributed along the short sides. As can be seen in the schematic top view of Fig. 8A, further rows of four openings 64 can optionally be located between these four rows of five openings 64, the openings 64 of these rows preferably being offset in their positions relative to the adjacent openings 64, such that a diagonal pattern results from the total of thirty-two openings 64 on the base plate 60.

[0186] It should be noted that the base plate 60 shown in Fig. 8A is not marked with the reference numeral 44, since in the present context this is intended to denote an expansion die 44, because no expansion tools 46 are yet mounted on the base plate 60 shown in Fig. 8, so that the expansion die 44 is not yet complete and ready for use in the pretreatment module 6 (see Figures 1, 6 and 7).

[0187] The schematic top view in Fig. 8B shows a first arrangement variant of a total of twenty expansion tools 46, which are evenly distributed and fastened on the base plate 60 using the aforementioned four rows of five anchoring points 62 arranged along the longitudinal sides (see Fig. 8A), thus forming a first variant of the expansion die 44. The expansion tools 46 can preferably be formed by the expansion cones 48 mentioned above.

[0188] Figure 8B also shows that the additional rows arranged between the four rows of five openings 64, with their four openings 64 distributed along the longitudinal sides of the base plate 60, are not used for mounting expansion tools 46 or expansion cones 48, so that these openings 64 remain free and are not used as anchor points 62. The twenty anchor points 62 used for mounting expansion tools 46, out of a total of thirty-two available anchor points 62 on the base plate 60, are not visible in the top view of Figure 8B, as they are each covered by the expansion tools 46 mounted there.

[0189] The schematic top view in Fig. 8C shows a second arrangement variant of a total of twelve stretching tools 46, which are evenly distributed and attached to the base plate 60 using the three aforementioned rows of four anchoring points 62 arranged along the long sides (see Fig. 8A), thus forming a second variant of the stretching die 44. This refers to the three rows of four anchoring points 62 arranged along the long sides, each offset between the four rows of five anchoring points 62 distributed along the narrow side of the base plate 60, as already explained with reference to Fig. 8A. The stretching tools 46 can again be formed, in particular, by the stretching cones 48 mentioned above.

[0190] Figure 8C further shows that the additional rows of five openings 64 running along the longitudinal sides of the base plate 60 on either side of each of the three rows of four openings 64 are not used for mounting expansion tools 46 or expansion cones 48, so that these openings 64 remain free and are not used as anchor points 62. The twelve anchor points 62 used for mounting expansion tools 46, out of a total of thirty-two available anchor points 62 on the base plate 60, are not visible in the top view of Figure 8B, as they are each covered by the expansion tools 46 mounted there. However, the openings 64 of the twenty unused anchor points 62 are visible.

[0191] Further variants of the expansion dies 44, which are not shown in Figures 8B and 80, can be formed, for example, by arranging the expansion tools 44 in an irregular distribution on the base plate 60, which may be advantageous for certain variants of packaging blanks 10. In addition, expansion cones 48 of a different size can optionally be mounted, which may fit better if some of the anchor points 62 are not used, particularly when exchanging expansion cones 48 of a first size for expansion cones 48 with larger diameters.

[0192] Furthermore, it should be noted that the number and arrangement of the anchor points 62 on the variant of the base plate 60 used for the expansion die 44 shown in Figures 8A to 8C are merely exemplary and not limiting. Those skilled in the art will recognize, upon examining the exemplary embodiments, that a different distribution of a smaller or larger total number of anchor points 62 on the base plate 60 may be useful or necessary for certain applications, or that they may choose distribution patterns other than the diagonal arrangement of the anchor points 62 shown. In addition, smaller or larger base plates 60 can be used as needed, compared to the base plate 60 shown schematically here.Figures 9A to 9E further illustrate a second embodiment of an expansion die 44, which comprises a base plate 60 with a total of twenty evenly distributed expansion tools 46 in the form of expansion cones 48.

[0193] The exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. 9A again features a rectangular base plate 60 of the expansion die 44 with five expansion tools 46 distributed along the longitudinal sides of the base plate 60. Four such rows of five expansion tools 46 each are also distributed evenly along the narrow sides of the base plate 60, resulting in the aforementioned rectangular pattern of a total of twenty expansion tools 46 evenly distributed over the base plate 60.

[0194] Four expansion tools 46 in the form of expansion cones 48 are arranged on anchoring strips 66 that extend between the longitudinal sides of the base plate 60. Five such anchoring strips 66, each with four expansion tools 46, are distributed over the longitudinal sides of the base plate 60, such that the anchoring strips 66 are aligned with their longitudinal directions parallel to the narrow sides of the base plate 60.

[0195] The anchoring strips 66 can, on the one hand, allow the expansion tools 46 to be displaced in a direction parallel to the narrow sides of the base plate 60, as shown schematically in Fig. 9B. A double arrow on the left narrow side of the base plate 60 is intended to clarify these directions of displacement. Here, all four expansion tools 46 on each of the anchoring strips 66 are positioned close to each other, so that they almost touch.

[0196] The distances between the anchoring strips 66 need not be changed, as is also illustrated in Fig. 9B. Furthermore, Fig. 9B shows that all expansion tools 46 of each of the five anchoring strips 66 are brought closer to each other by the same amount, so that the regular pattern of the expansion tools 46 distributed in a rectangular arrangement over the base plate 60 remains unchanged. The expansion tools 46 were only brought closer to each other in one direction transverse to the longitudinal sides of the base plate 60.

[0197] Such a displacement of the expansion tools 46 along the longitudinal extension directions of the anchoring strips 66 can optionally be carried out by motor, e.g. by means of electric motor drives, by means of pneumatic drives, via a spindle drive or the like, which couples the displacement movements of the expansion tools 46 of an anchoring strip 66, so that uniform adjustment processes can be ensured.

[0198] The anchoring strips 66 can also allow the expansion tools 46 to be displaced in a direction transverse to the narrow sides and parallel to the long sides of the base plate 60, as shown schematically in Fig. 90. Double arrows on the left narrow side of the base plate 60 and on the upper long side are intended to clarify these directions of displacement. Here, all four expansion tools 46 on each of the anchoring strips 66 are positioned close to each other, so that they are almost in contact.

[0199] Furthermore, the distances between the anchoring strips 66 are reduced to such an extent that the expansion tools 46 almost touch each other in a direction parallel to the longitudinal sides of the base plate 60. Figure 9C also shows that all anchoring strips 66, with the four expansion tools 46 arranged on them, are approached by the same amount, so that the regular pattern of the expansion tools 46 distributed in a rectangular arrangement over the base plate 60 remains unchanged. However, all expansion tools 46 are approached in both directions transversely to the longitudinal sides and transversely to the narrow sides of the base plate 60.

[0200] Such an additional displacement of the anchoring strips 66 along the longitudinal sides of the base plate 60 of the expansion die 44 can in turn be optionally carried out by motor, e.g. by means of electric motor drives, by means of pneumatic drives, via a spindle drive or the like, which can also couple the displacement movements of the anchoring strips 66 so that uniform adjustment processes can be ensured.

[0201] As can be seen in Fig. 9C, the displacement movements of the expansion tools 46 on the individual anchoring strips 66 and of the anchoring strips 66 themselves can be superimposed and combined, but separate drives are required for each of these.

[0202] Fig. 9D further illustrates another variant of an adjustment process, in which the two outermost anchoring strips 66 are each spaced apart from the other anchoring strips 66 and adjusted in the outermost direction towards the opposite narrow sides of the base plate 60, while the remaining three anchoring strips 66 have been brought closer together in a corresponding manner, as already shown in Fig. 9C. In this way, the stretching tools 46 mounted on the two outermost anchoring strips 66 can remain inactive, while the remaining rectangular pattern with the twelve stretching tools 46 brought closer together can be used for pretreating appropriately shaped and dimensioned packaging blanks 10.

[0203] Finally, Fig. 9E shows a further schematic top view of an embodiment of the expansion die 44, in which the anchoring strips 66 can each be guided on adjusting rails 68 arranged opposite each other on the two longitudinal sides of the base plate 60. The adjusting rails 68, which are not shown in detail here, can enable the relative movements of the anchoring strips 66 shown in Figures 9C and 9D, whereby either a synchronous approach according to Fig. 9C or an equally synchronous distancing according to Figures 9A and 9B is possible. However, a functionality that allows independent displacements is also conceivable, for example, to distance individual anchoring strips 66 from the adjacent anchoring strips 66, as shown by way of example in Fig. 9D.

[0204] The adjustment rails 68 can optionally be designed as circumferentially guided tension elements or guide such circumferential tension elements. The anchoring strips 66 can be attached to such tension elements, formed, for example, by chains or belts, so that they can be adjusted and moved along the longitudinal sides of the base plate 60 in the manner described. During all these described adjustment movements, the anchoring strips 66 remain parallel to each other and parallel to the narrow sides of the base plate 60, as illustrated in Figures 9A to 9E.

[0205] The schematic representations of Figures 10A, 10B and 11 show in different views further different embodiments of a packaging device 2 according to the invention, which in particular in the area of ​​its respective pretreatment module 6 can be equipped with different configurations of handling robots in order to use the differently configured expansion dies 44, which may be necessary for the pretreatment of different packaging blanks 10, as required.

[0206] The schematic representation in Fig. 10A shows a variant embodiment of the packaging device 2, which is equipped with a feeder 4 for conveying groups of articles 20 in a defined conveying direction on a horizontal conveyor 70 or similar conveying device provided for this purpose. The groups of articles 20 conveyed on the horizontal conveyor 70 of the feeder 4 each comprise a defined number of articles 12 or cans 22, whereby this number and the arrangement of the articles 12 or cans 22 relative to each other can differ within the respective grouping 20, so that differently designed packaging blanks 10 may be required to combine the groupings 20 into packaging units 18.

[0207] Since the transport direction or conveying direction of the horizontal conveying device 70 points perpendicularly into the plane of the drawing or points perpendicularly out of it, it is not shown separately in Figures 10A and 10B.

[0208] The pretreatment module 6 of the packaging device 2 according to Fig. 10A comprises at least one pre-breaking station 72, which is arranged on the left side of the feeding device 4. In the immediate vicinity of the pre-breaking station 72 is a magazine 74 for a suitable variant of packaging blanks 10, which have not yet been pretreated and whose openings can be punched in an arrangement suitable for pretreatment on the expansion die 44 of the pre-breaking station 72.

[0209] In order to remove the respective packaging blanks 10 from the magazine 74 and feed them to the pre-breaking station 72 located near it, a first handling robot 76 is provided in the embodiment of the packaging device 2 shown in Fig. 10A, the preferably multi-axis movable swivel arm 78 of which is equipped with a gripper head 40 (see Figures 6 and 7) which is able to remove the packaging blanks 10 from the magazine 74 and feed them to the pre-breaking station 72.

[0210] After pretreatment at the pre-breaking station 72, a second handling robot 80 places the pretreated packaging blanks 10v onto the respective grouping of articles 20 on the horizontal conveyor 70 of the feeding device 4, in order to form the packaging units 18, as already described in detail above. The second handling robot 80 can also be of a similar or identical design to the first handling robot 76 and can, by means of its preferably multi-axis movable swivel arm 78 with the gripper head 40 attached thereto, pick up the pretreated - M -

[0211] Take packaging blanks 10v from the pre-breaking station 72 and feed them to the article groupings 20.

[0212] In the illustration of Fig. 10A, the gripper head 40, guided on the swivel arm 78 of the first handling robot 76, is located at the pre-breaking station 72 (shown on the left) and holds the packaging blank 10 or 10v. The gripper head presses the packaging blank 10 onto the upwardly tapered stretching tools 46 of the stretching die 44 of the pre-breaking station 72. This stretches the openings of the packaging blank 10 as desired by means of the stretching tools 46 of the stretching die 44, which are formed by stretching cones 48. This allows the pre-treated packaging blank 10v to be placed onto the article grouping 20 after being picked up by the second handling robot 80.

[0213] Although this is not clearly evident from the schematic representation in Fig. 10A, the stretching tools 46 can be modified in at least one of their parameters, i.e., either in the diameters or dimensions of their stretching cones 48, optionally also in their spacing and / or arrangement on the stretching die 44, or with respect to both parameters. Since the articles 12 or cans 22 can differ both in their dimensions and in their respective number within the formed article groupings 20, the packaging blanks 10 required for each can differ with respect to the number of their openings, the respective diameter of the openings, and their relative arrangement to one another. This can be accommodated by the variably adjustable stretching dies 44 in the pre-breaking station 72.

[0214] In the illustration of Fig. 10A, the gripper head 40, guided on the swivel arm 78 of the first handling robot 76, is located at the pre-breaking station 72 (shown on the left) and holds the packaging blank 10 or 10v. The gripper head presses the packaging blank 10 onto the upwardly tapered stretching tools 46 of the stretching die 44 of the pre-breaking station 72. This stretches the openings of the packaging blank 10 as desired by means of the stretching tools 46 of the stretching die 44, which are formed by stretching cones 48. This allows the pre-treated packaging blank 10v to be placed onto the article grouping 20. In addition, the gripper head 40, guided on the swivel arm 78 of the second handling robot 80, with the packaging blank 10 or 10v picked up there, is located above the feeding device 4.The gripper head 40 of the second handling robot 80 can optionally be equipped with suction devices that, like a comb or rake, can engage between the handling devices of the gripper head 40 of the first handling robot 76, as indicated graphically in Fig. 10A. Thus, the second handling robot 80 can pick up the pre-treated packaging blanks 10v directly at the expansion die 44 without the two gripper heads 40 of the two handling robots 76 and 80 colliding with each other.

[0215] The schematic representation of Fig. 10A further reveals a control center 82, which controls at least the first handling robot 76 and its movements when removing the packaging blanks 10 from the magazine 74 and when feeding the packaging blanks 10 to the pre-breaking station 72, and which furthermore controls at least the second handling robot 80 when taking over the pre-treated packaging blanks 10v from the pre-breaking station 72 and / or from the gripper head 40 of the first handling robot 76 and also when pressing the pre-treated packaging blanks 10v onto the articles 12 or cans 22 of the article groups 20 that are each available on the horizontal conveyor 70 of the feeding device 4.

[0216] The control center 82 supplies corresponding control signals 84 to the first handling robot 76 and corresponding control signals 86 to the second handling robot 80. The fact that the data connection between the control center 82 and the two handling robots 76 and 80 are represented by the double arrows labeled 84 and 86 respectively indicates that both handling robots 76 and 80 can preferably also supply sensor signals of different types to the control center 82, in order to facilitate the precise motion control of the respective swivel arms 78 and gripper heads 40 of the two handling robots 76 and 80.

[0217] Furthermore, the control unit 82 is preferably coupled to that of the pre-crushing station 72, as indicated by a further double arrow to which the reference numeral 88 is assigned. Since the expansion tools 46 of the expansion die 44 of the pre-crushing station 72 are to be adjustable in the manner explained in more detail below and / or equipped with suitable sensors to enable their adjustability, it is also advantageous to provide a data connection for the exchange of control signals 88 between the pre-crushing station 72 and the control unit 82.

[0218] Furthermore, Fig. 10A shows an optional optical sensor device 90, which may in particular be a camera 92 with downstream image evaluation. This optional optical sensor device 90 or camera 92 with its downstream image evaluation can be assigned to the horizontal conveying device 70. Its function may in particular be to monitor the finished packaging units 18 equipped with the pre-treated packaging blanks 10v, whereby the image evaluation may in particular be aimed at checking whether all tabs on the through-openings of the packaging blanks 10 are correctly engaged and / or whether the packaging blank 10 is locked to the articles 12 or cans 22 in the intended manner and is located in the intended horizontal plane.

[0219] The optional optical sensor device 90 or camera 92 also sensibly delivers its image signals 94 to the control center 82, in which the suitable image evaluation can be located in order to obtain the desired or required information on the condition of the completed packaging units 18 from the image signals 94 supplied by the camera 92.

[0220] Furthermore, the control center 82 can optionally be connected to an external data storage device 96, which may, for example, be a data cloud 98. The signal and / or storage data 100 exchanged between the external data storage device 96 or the data cloud 98 and the control center 82 are also indicated by a double arrow, which is intended to characterize the bidirectional nature of the data exchange.

[0221] Finally, the control center 82 can be usefully coupled with the feeding device 4 and with the pretreatment module 6, which is only partially illustrated in the representation of Fig. 10A, namely by the data connection between the control center 82 and the pre-crushing station 72, by means of which the control signals 88 are exchanged.

[0222] The external data storage device 96, which can be, for example, a data cloud 98, can serve to input and temporarily store numerous data, such as the measured and / or predefinable angles during the deformation of the tabs and / or the force values ​​measured and / or predefinable for pressing the packaging blanks 10 onto the article groupings 20 for the motors used for this purpose, whereby the type of container being processed can also be taken into account. This force measurement option will be explained in more detail below with reference to Figures 15A and 15B.

[0223] Further relevant data can be stored there and kept available for the control center 82, such as information about the manufacturers and / or the materials and / or material thicknesses of the packaging blanks used 10, since meaningful setting values, threshold and target values ​​for the packaging device 2 as well as for other plant components can be obtained and derived from this.

[0224] Furthermore, the principles of machine learning can be taken into account for all this data exchanged between the control center 82 and the data storage facility 96, especially with the additional use of artificial intelligence.

[0225] The schematic view in Fig. 10B shows a variant of the pre-crushing station 72 of the pretreatment module 6 according to Fig. 10A, showing some components of the pre-crushing station 72 located on the left side of the feeding device 4. However, the two manual handling robots 76 and 80 are arranged differently than shown in Fig. 8A. The first handling robot 76, located on the left in Fig. 10B, can again be used to remove the packaging blanks 10 from the magazine 74 and transfer them to the expansion die 44 of the pre-crushing station 72, while the second handling robot 80, located on the right, can be used to transfer the packaging blanks 10v, pretreated by the pre-crushing station 72, from the expansion die 44 and place them onto the article groups 20 provided on the horizontal conveyor 70 of the feeding device 4. The [unclear text] in Fig.The article groupings 20 shown in 10B are each formed by a defined number of articles 12 or cans 22 in a defined arrangement relative to each other.

[0226] The second handling robot 80 is positioned close to the first handling robot 76, so that both have the expansion die 44 within reach of their respective swivel arms 78 and the gripper heads 40 suspended from them. As can be seen in Fig. 10B, the gripper head 40 of the second handling robot 80 can take over the pre-treated packaging blank 10v at the pre-breaking station 72, while the packaging blank 10v is simultaneously still being held there by the gripper head 40 of the first handling robot 76.

[0227] The suction devices or similar gripper elements can, for example, reach between the respective suction or holding devices of the other gripper head 40, which can be achieved, for example, by a rake-like or comb-like design of the gripper or holding elements. Thus, the gripper head 40 of the second handling robot 80 can already access the pre-treated packaging blank 10v while it is still being held by the gripper head 40 of the first handling robot 76.

[0228] The pre-breaking station 72 can be modified compared to the variant of the pre-breaking station 72 shown in Fig. 10A, for example, in such a way that the packaging blanks 10 are pressed against the stretching die 44 in a horizontal position, whereas in the variant according to Fig. 10B they are pressed against the correspondingly positioned stretching die 44 in a vertical position.

[0229] In the process phase according to Fig. 10B, the first handling robot 76 has taken a packaging blank 10 from the magazine 74 (see Fig. 10A) and pressed it onto the right-facing expansion cones 48 of the expansion die 44. The gripper head 40 of the second handling robot 80 is already located there to take over the pre-treated packaging blank 10v and transfer it to the grouping of articles 20 on the horizontal conveyor 70 of the feeding device 4, and to press the packaging blank 10v onto the top of the articles 12 or cans 22.

[0230] The schematic top view in Fig. 11 also shows a further embodiment of the packaging device 2 according to the invention, which may differ in some details from the embodiment of the packaging device 2 shown in Figures 10A and 10B, but corresponds to this embodiment in many respects, which will be examined in more detail below. For example, the feed device 4 for conveying the article groups 20 in a defined conveying direction 102 on the horizontal conveying device 70 provided for this purpose is visible. The conveying direction 102 of the horizontal conveying device 70 points from bottom to top.

[0231] In the embodiment of Fig. 11, the article groupings 20 conveyed on the horizontal conveying device 70 of the feeding device 4 comprise twenty articles 12 or cans 22, which are grouped and assembled in a rectangular arrangement, so that the appropriately configured packaging blanks 10 are kept ready and pretreated for each of these article groupings 20 in order to be able to combine the groupings 20 into packaging units 18 in the manner described above.

[0232] The pretreatment module 6 of the packaging device 2 according to Fig. 11 comprises the pre-breaking station 72 shown, which is arranged to the left of the feeding device 4. Optionally, a second pre-breaking station 104 can also be provided, which is likewise located to the left of the feeding device 4 and – with respect to the conveying direction 102 – below the first pre-breaking station 72. In the immediate vicinity of the first pre-breaking station 72 is the magazine 74 for a first variant of packaging blanks 10, which are not yet pre-treated and whose openings can be punched there in a first arrangement (not shown here).

[0233] In the immediate vicinity of the optional second pre-breaking station 104, a second magazine 106 for a second variant of packaging blanks 10, which are not yet pre-treated, can be located, and whose passage openings can each be punched there in a second arrangement (also not shown here), wherein the distances and / or sizes of the passage openings of the packaging blanks 10 of the first magazine 74 sensibly differ from the distances and / or sizes of the passage openings of the packaging blanks 10 of the second magazine 106, so that the packaging blanks 10 of the first magazine 74, which are not yet pre-treated, are not suitable for being pre-treated with a stretching die that is matched to the distances and / or sizes of the packaging blanks 10 of the second magazine 106, and vice versa.

[0234] To remove the packaging blanks 10 from the first magazine 74 of the first pre-crush station 72 and feed them to the expansion die 44 located nearby, the first handling robot 76 shown in Figures 10A and 10B can be provided, whose preferably multi-axis movable swivel arm 78 has a suitably equipped gripper head 40 that is able to remove the packaging blanks 10 from the first magazine 74 and feed them to the appropriate expansion die 44. After pre-treatment in the first pre-crush station 72, the pre-treated packaging blanks 10 can be transferred by means of the second handling robot 80 (see Figures 10A and / or 10B), which is located near the horizontal conveyor 70 and in this case accesses the first pre-crush station 72.10B) are placed on the article grouping 20 that is available on the horizontal conveying device 70 of the feeding device 4 in order to form the packaging units 18 as has already been described in detail above.

[0235] If the grouping of articles 20 transported on the horizontal conveyor 70 in the conveying direction 102 has a different configuration, it may be necessary to access the differently configured packaging blanks 10 from the second magazine 106 and to use the second pre-crushing station 104 for their pre-treatment.

[0236] In order to remove the suitable packaging blanks 10 from the second magazine 106 of the second pre-breaking station 104 and feed them to the further expansion die 108 located in their vicinity, the first handling robot 76 can also be used in the embodiment of the packaging device 2 shown in Fig. 11, or alternatively an additional handling robot (not shown here).

[0237] After pretreatment in the second pre-breaking station 104, the appropriately pretreated packaging blanks 10v can be placed on the respective article grouping 20 on the horizontal conveyor 70 of the feeding device 4 by means of the second handling robot 80 (see Figures 10A and 10B), which preferably accesses both the first pre-breaking station 72 and the second pre-breaking station 104, in order to form the corresponding packaging units 18.

[0238] Furthermore, the pretreatment module 6 of the packaging device 2 according to Fig. 11 can have an optional third pre-breaking station 110, which can be arranged, for example, on the right-hand side or above the feeding device 4. In the immediate vicinity of this optional third pre-breaking station 110, a third magazine 112 for a third variant of packaging blanks 10, which are not yet pretreated, can be arranged, and whose openings can be punched in a third arrangement (not shown here).The spacing and / or size of the openings of the packaging blanks 10 of the third magazine 112 differ from the spacing and / or size of the openings of the packaging blanks 10 of the first magazine 74 and the second magazine 106, so that the untreated packaging blanks 10 of the first and / or second magazine 74, 106 are not suitable for pretreatment with such a stretching die 44 as is adapted to the spacing and / or size of the packaging blanks 10 of the first or second magazine 74, 106, and vice versa.

[0239] To remove the packaging blanks 10 from the third magazine 112 of the third pre-breaking station 110 and feed them to a third expansion die 114 located nearby, an optional additional handling robot can be provided in the embodiment of the packaging device 2 shown in Fig. 11. This robot is capable of removing the packaging blanks 10 from the third magazine 112 and feeding them to the appropriate third expansion die 114. However, such a handling robot is not shown here.

[0240] After pretreatment in the third pre-breaking station 110, the pretreated packaging blanks 10v can again be placed on the article grouping 20 on the horizontal conveyor 70 of the feeding device 4 by means of the second handling robot 80, which is located near the horizontal conveyor 70 and in this case may also access the third pre-breaking station 110, in order to form the packaging units 18, as has already been described in detail above.

[0241] The schematic longitudinal sectional views of Figures 12A, 12B, and 12C illustrate different embodiments of stretching tools 46, which can be used in the stretching dies 44 within the pre-breaking stations 72, 104, and / or 110 according to one of the previously shown embodiments of the packaging device 2. According to the invention, the opening width and / or the extent of the expansion of the passage openings 14 during pre-treatment of the packaging blanks 10 can be variably adjusted. In the stretching tools 46 shown, this can be achieved by means of a variable and / or adjustable contour of their stretching cone 48.

[0242] The stretching tools 46 shown in longitudinal section in Figures 12A, 12B and 12C each have a lower base section 116 and a stretching cone 48 adjoining its upper end face. The base section 116 serves to anchor the stretching tools 46 to a base plate (not shown here) of the stretching die 44 (see Figures 6 to 9), so that they can be arranged on the base plate of the stretching die 44 according to the arrangement of the through-holes 14 in the packaging blanks 10 to be pre-treated.

[0243] Adjustable projections 118 are located on the conical flanks of the expansion cones 48, which are intended to widen the passage openings 14 of the packaging blanks 10. These projections are preferably arranged distributed over the entire circumference of the expansion cones 48 and enable uniform adjustment of the effective diameter of the respective expansion cone 48 in the area of ​​the adjustable projections 118 over the entire circumference.

[0244] As shown in Fig. 12A, the adjustable projections 118 can, for example, have wedge-shaped contours that allow a stepped change in the angle of the cone on the outer surface of the stretching cone 48 when they are adjusted. This allows a change in the degree of stretching and / or the opening width of the passage openings 14 of the respective packaging blank 10 to be treated, which is pushed over the stretching die 44 equipped with these stretching tools 46. The double arrow between the two wedge-shaped adjustable projections 118 visible in Fig. 12A is intended to indicate the opposing adjustability of the respective opposing projections 118.

[0245] As shown in Fig. 12B, the adjustable projections 118 can optionally protrude outwards like a nose, so that their opposing horizontal adjustability directly allows a change in diameter on the outer surface of the expansion cone 48, which also allows a change in the expansion dimension and / or the opening width of the passage openings 14 of the respective packaging blank 10 to be treated, which is pushed over the expansion die 44 equipped with these expansion tools 46. The double arrow between the two nose-like and externally rounded adjustable projections 118 visible in Fig. 12B is intended to indicate the opposing adjustability of the respective opposing projections 118.

[0246] Alternatively, the adjustable projections 118 according to Fig. 12C can also be designed to pivot, as indicated by the curved arrows, which are intended to suggest that the projections 118, which have a receiving recess, can be adjusted about horizontal axes (not shown here). The pivotable projections 118 can thus significantly alter the outer contour of the expansion cone 48, which allows for a corresponding change in the expansion dimension and / or the opening width of the through-holes 14 of the respective packaging blank 10 to be treated.

[0247] The movable and adjustable projections 118 shown can optionally also be moved in the manner described by sliding on the packaging blanks 10, so that the reaction forces on the compliance or resistance of the passage openings 14 to be widened can be adjusted or specified by appropriately dimensioned restoring forces of the adjusting elements for the projections 118.

[0248] The various longitudinal sectional views of Figures 13A to 13E reveal different designs of the mechanical adjustability or variable compliance of the adjustable projections 118 that change the outer circumference of the expansion cone 48, as well as the interacting adjusting elements that interact with the projections 118.

[0249] For example, Fig. 13A shows a variant embodiment of the expansion tool 46 in which a central pushrod 120 is guided centrally and coaxially through the base section 116, being movable in the direction of the double arrow along the longitudinal extension direction of the expansion tool 46 and the base section 116. The pushrod 120 extends into the hollow inner surface of the expansion cone 48, the upper section of the pushrod 120 extending into the expansion cone 48 being slightly tapered, while the lower section, which is guided in the hollow base section 116, has a cylindrical shape.

[0250] Several adjustable projections 118 are distributed around the circumference of the expansion cone 48, the end faces of which protrude from the expansion cone 48 each have convexly rounded shapes, so that there are no angular projections or shoulders that could potentially damage the passage openings 14 at their edges. On the hollow inner surface of the expansion cone 48, the horizontally movable and each punch-like projections 118 are equipped with an annular shoulder 122 of a larger diameter than that on the shaft 124, so that the shaft 124, guided in corresponding recesses in the expansion cone 48, can only extend outwards from the conical surface of the expansion cone 48 until the shoulder 122 abuts the inner surface of the hollow expansion cone 48 and finds its mechanical stop there.

[0251] The annular shoulders 122 are each supported by a return spring 126 at the conically tapered upper section of the pushrod 120, so that they are pressed outwards against the mechanical stop. The return springs 126, formed, for example, by coil springs, thus ensure that the adjustable projections 118 can deflect and be pressed inwards when a packaging blank 10 is pushed onto the stretching tool 46, but the return forces of the return springs 126 define the resulting return forces and the resistance to deflection of the punch-like projections 118.

[0252] The conical shape of the upper section of the pushrod 120 makes it possible to vary the preload of the return springs 126 as desired, at least to a small extent, which may be sufficient to adapt the restoring forces acting on the projections 118 to the respective requirements, so that different bending stiffnesses of the packaging blanks 10 and their edges at their passage openings 14 can be countered with different restoring forces.

[0253] The interacting components of the variant of the stretching tool 46 according to Fig. 13A show that a downward displacement of the pushrod 120 causes the return springs 126 to be supported on a thinner area of ​​their upper section, thus reducing the restoring forces, while an upward displacement of the pushrod 120 leads to a greater preload of the return springs 126, which consequently also results in a greater resistance force during the pretreatment of the packaging blanks 10. In such a setting, where the projections 118 are more strongly preloaded, stiffer packaging blanks 10 can also be processed, the openings 14 of which require a greater force for their deformation and pretreatment.

[0254] Furthermore, the longitudinal section of Fig. 13B shows an alternative embodiment of the stretching tool 46, in which a central pushrod 120 is again guided centrally and coaxially through the base section 116, being movable in the direction of the double arrow along the longitudinal extension direction of the stretching tool 46 and the base section 116, as is also the case in the first embodiment according to Fig. 13A. In the second embodiment according to Fig. 13B, the pushrod 120 also extends into the hollow inner surface of the stretching cone 48, with several connecting rods 128 being articulated to the upper end face of the upper section of the pushrod 120 extending into the stretching cone 48, while the downwardly adjoining section, which is guided in the hollow base section 116, has a cylindrical shape.

[0255] As already described with reference to the first variant according to Fig. 13A, in the second variant of the stretching tool 46 according to Fig. 13B several adjustable projections 118 are distributed over the circumference of the stretching cone 48, the end faces of which protrude from the stretching cone 48 each have convexly rounded shapes, so that there are no angular projections or steps that could potentially lead to damage to the passage openings 14 at their edge regions.On the hollow inner side of the expansion cone 48, the horizontally movable and each punch-like projections 118 are equipped with an annular shoulder 122 of a larger diameter than on the shaft 124, so that the shaft 124, guided in corresponding recesses in the expansion cone 48, can only protrude outwards from the conical side of the expansion cone 48 until the shoulder 122 rests against the inner surface of the hollow expansion cone 48 and finds its mechanical stop there.

[0256] The annular shoulders 122 are each pivotally supported on the upper end face of the pushrod 120 by means of a connecting rod 128 at the conically tapered upper section of the pushrod 120, so that, depending on the axial displacement position of the pushrod 120, they are either pressed outwards against the mechanical stop or retracted from the outer surface of the expansion cone 48. The pivotal connections between the pushrod 120 and the projections 118 ensure a direct transmission of the axial displacement movements of the pushrod 120 into perpendicular displacement movements of the projections 118.If this is desired for the respective pretreatment of a packaging blank 10, pulling the plunger rod 120 downwards out of the base section 116 can ensure that the adjustable projections 118 move outwards and are pulled inwards before a packaging blank 10 is pushed onto the stretching tool 46, thus providing the desired adjustability of the stretching tools 46.

[0257] If this is desired for the respective pretreatment of a packaging blank 10, pushing the plunger rod 120 upwards into the base section 116 can ensure that the articulated rods 128 push the adjustable projections 118 against the mechanical stop of their respective annular shoulders 122, so that the convexly curved end faces of the projections 118 protrude from the outer surface of the expansion cone 48 on their respective shaft 124, as can be seen in the illustration of Fig. 13B.

[0258] Thus, the desired adjustability of the stretching tool 46 can be achieved in the described manner by longitudinally displacing the pushrod 120, thereby accommodating different bending stiffnesses of the packaging blanks 10 and their edges at their openings 14 with different restoring forces. In particular, with the pushrod 120 pushed all the way to the top, stiffer packaging blanks 10 can also be processed, whose openings 14 require a greater force for their deformation and pretreatment.

[0259] The longitudinal section view in Fig. 13C shows another alternative embodiment, which is similar in its function to the version of the stretching tool 46 according to Fig. 13A. However, in the version according to Fig. 13C, the pushrod 120 can be rotated about its central axis, causing an upper section 132, located within the stretching cone 48, to rotate with it. This upper section 132, against which the adjustable projections 118 are supported by means of return springs 126, is preferably not cylindrical in shape, but has flattened sections which, when the pushrod 120 is rotated, can increase or decrease the preload forces acting on the return springs 126.

[0260] The annular shoulders 122 of the projections 118 are supported by return springs 126 against the upper section of the pushrod 120 with its flattened sections, so that they are pressed outwards against the mechanical stop. The return springs 126, formed, for example, by coil springs, thus ensure that the adjustable projections 118 can deflect and be pressed inwards when a packaging blank 10 is pushed onto the stretching tool 46, but the restoring forces of the return springs 126 define the resulting restoring forces and the resistance to deflection of the punch-like projections 118.

[0261] The rotation of the pushrod 120 can influence these restoring forces in the desired way and vary them at least to a small extent, which may be sufficient to adapt the restoring forces acting on the projections 118 to the respective requirements, so that different bending stiffnesses of the packaging blanks 10 and their edges at their passage openings 14 can be countered with different restoring forces.

[0262] The two longitudinal sectional views in Figures 13D and 13E reveal a modification of the previously shown variants of the stretching tool 46, since here the entire stretching cone 48 is divided into several segments 130 which, like spreading jaws, can be adjusted at their angles to one another in order to change the angle of inclination of the conical surface of the stretching cone 48. Instead of the projections 118 adjustable perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis of the stretching tool 46 according to Figures 13A to 13C, in the embodiment shown here according to Figures 13D and 13E the stretching cone segments 130 fulfill the function of adjusting the stretching tool 46.

[0263] In the embodiment of the stretching tool 46 shown in Figures 13D and 13E, a central pushrod 120 is guided centrally and coaxially through the base section 116, being movable in the direction of the double arrow along the longitudinal extension direction of the stretching tool 46 and the base section 116. The pushrod 120 extends into the area of ​​the inner side of the stretching cone 48, with the upper section of the pushrod 120 extending into the stretching cone 48 being slightly tapered, while the downward section, which is guided in the hollow base section 116, has a cylindrical shape.

[0264] Several adjustable expansion cone segments 130 are distributed around the circumference of the expansion cone 48, for example, four, six, or eight such segments 130, which together form the complete expansion cone 48. The inner surfaces of these expansion cone segments 130 are contacted by the tapered upper section of the plunger rod 120 and are either moved apart from below, as shown in Fig. 13D, to spread the expansion cone 48 for pretreating larger diameters of the through-holes 14 in the packaging blank 10 when the plunger rod 120 is pushed upwards and moved into the area of ​​the expansion cone 48.

[0265] If, however, the pushrod 120 is pulled downwards and moved out of the area of ​​the expansion cone 48 as shown in Fig. 13E, the expansion cone segments 130 can move towards each other to reduce the diameter of the expansion cone 48 for pretreating smaller diameters of the through-holes 14 in the packaging blank 10. In their upper areas, where they taper to a point, the expansion cone segments 130 can optionally be supported against each other to maintain the contour of the expansion cone 48, although this is not shown in Figures 13D and 13E. Furthermore, the expansion cone segments 130 can optionally be held in the expansion tool 46 by means of tension springs or the like, so that they are held in place even when the pushrod 120 is pulled out of the expansion cone area.

[0266] The schematic longitudinal sectional views in Figures 14A and 14B show a further technical alternative in which the variable extension and the variable opening width of the extension tool 46 shown therein can be adjusted by means of variable hydraulic pressure. To achieve this, at least a section of the extension cone 48 is formed by an extendable ring 134, which covers the entire circumference of the extension cone 48, but not its entire height. Areas above and below the extendable ring 134 are rigid and their shape remains unchanged.

[0267] A cavity within the expansion cone 48, which can extend into the area of ​​the base section 116, can serve as a fluid reservoir 136 and as a pressure accumulator containing a hydraulic fluid which can be pressurized with variable fluidic pressure by means of at least one pressure pump 138.

[0268] Figure 14A illustrates a ring 134 with a reduced circumference, in which the fluid reservoir 136 is reduced in volume. This reduction can be achieved, in particular, by lowering the pressure and withdrawing hydraulic fluid by activating the right-hand of the two pressure pumps 138 shown, which acts as a suction pump. The expansion cone 48 is thereby reduced in its outer circumference, allowing smaller openings in the packaging blank to be pre-treated.

[0269] Figure 14B illustrates a ring 134 enlarged in circumference and stretched outwards, in which the fluid reservoir 136 is expanded in volume. This expansion can be achieved, in particular, by increasing the pressure and supplying hydraulic fluid to the fluid reservoir 136 by activating the left of the two pressure pumps 138 shown, which functions as a pressure pump. The expansion cone 48 is thereby enlarged in its outer circumference, allowing larger openings in the packaging blank to be pre-treated. To seal the expandable ring 134 against the fluid reservoir 136 at its upper and lower ends, sealing rings 140 can be advantageously provided. These rings are capable of preventing the escape of hydraulic fluid even at increased fluid pressure in the pressure reservoir 136.

[0270] It should be added and clarified at this point that typically a larger number or a multitude of such stretching tools 46 are arranged on a stretching die 44 in a regular pattern, as determined by the arrangement of the through-holes 14 in the packaging blank 10 to be processed, as illustrated, for example, in Figures 2A, 2E, 3A to 3C, 4A to 4C, and 5A to 5D. The arrangement of several identical stretching tools 46 on a stretching die 44 is shown schematically, for example, in Figures 6, 7, 8A, 8B, and 9. All these stretching tools 46 assigned to a stretching die 44 are preferably of the same design and preferably function according to the same pattern with regard to their adjustability and size variability according to the invention. Depending on the selected adjustment mechanism, the expansion tools 46 can be adjusted, for example, by means of parallel working pushrods 120 (seefor example, Figures 13A to 13E) or by means of a uniform fluid pressure (see, for example, Figures 14A and 14B) and adjusted in the same direction to adapt to packaging blanks that require different pretreatment.

[0271] Figures 15A and 15B are intended to illustrate, using schematic diagrams, an additional option for the universal use of existing stretching dies for packaging blanks requiring different treatment. All the force measurement and / or force control principles explained below for pretreating the packaging blanks can also be combined with the previously described variants of the adjustable stretching tools (see Figures 10A to 14B). This aspect of the optional combination of force measurement and / or control during the pretreatment of the packaging blanks, as well as the adjustability of the stretch width of the openings to be pretreated using the adjustable stretching tools, will be explained in more detail below.

[0272] The schematic representation in Fig. 15A shows a variant of the packaging device 2 equipped for detecting forces during the pretreatment of packaging blanks. This variant can otherwise be equipped or configured in a similar way to the variant of the packaging device 2 shown in Fig. 10A. Of the pre-breaking station 72 already explained with reference to Fig. 10A, Fig. 15A essentially shows the expansion die 44 and the first handling robot 76, which is responsible for removing the packaging blanks 10 intended for pretreatment from the magazine 74 (see Fig. 10A) and pressing them onto the expansion die 44 by means of its gripper head 40, which is guided on the swivel arm 78. The stretching tools 46 of the stretching die 44 can optionally be changed in their dimensions in the manner described above in order to be able to pretreat different packaging blanks 10 in the manner required.

[0273] The pre-treated packaging blanks 10v can be transferred by means of the second handling robot 80, which can place the pre-treated packaging blanks 10v onto the respective product groups (not shown here, but see Fig. 10A) in order to form the packaging units, as already described in detail above. The second handling robot 80, by means of its preferably multi-axis movable swivel arm 78 with the gripper head 40 attached to it, can take the pre-treated packaging blanks 10v from the expansion die 44 of the pre-breaking station 72 and feed them to the product groups.

[0274] In the illustration of Fig. 15A, the gripper head 40, guided on the swivel arm 78 of the first handling robot 76, is located at the stretching die 44 with the packaging blank 10 or 10v held therein and presses the packaging blank 10 onto the upwardly tapered stretching tools 46 of the stretching die 44. This stretches the openings of the packaging blank 10 as desired by means of the stretching tools 46 of the stretching die 44 formed by the stretching cones 48, so that the pre-treated packaging blank 10v can be placed on the respective waiting product groups after being picked up by the second handling robot 80.

[0275] As already mentioned several times, the expansion tools 46 can be changed in at least one of their parameters, i.e. either in the diameters or dimensions of their expansion cones 48, optionally also in their spacing and / or arrangement on the expansion die 44 or with regard to both parameters.

[0276] Furthermore, the packaging device 2 according to Fig. 15A is designed to detect and influence the force and / or pressure applied during the pretreatment of the packaging blanks 10 while they are being pressed onto the expansion die 44, in order to influence the pretreatment and adapt it to different requirements. To enable this, the control unit 82 described above can receive corresponding sensor signals from the handling robots 76 and 80, which allow conclusions to be drawn about the pressure forces applied during pretreatment. These sensor signals can be obtained, for example, by evaluating the drive torques of the electromechanical actuators of the swivel arms 78 and / or the gripper heads 40.

[0277] Furthermore, Fig. 15A shows a support table 142 on which the expansion die 44 with its expansion tools 46 rests on its upper surface. Each pretreatment process in which compressive forces are exerted vertically downwards on the expansion die 44 by means of the gripper head 40 of the first handling robot 76 results in deformation forces acting on the support table 142, which can be measured by means of suitable sensors. For example, suitable force and / or strain sensors can be installed in the support table 142, the sensor signals of which provide information about the compressive forces acting on the expansion die 44.

[0278] Furthermore, a sensor device 146 can be arranged on the underside of the support table 142, which may, for example, comprise an arrangement of several strain gauges, so that any deflection of the support table 142, which is based on a force being applied to the strain gauge 44, leads to corresponding sensor signals 148. Both the sensor signals 144 from the sensors integrated in the support table 142 and the sensor signals 148 from the sensor device 146 arranged below the support surface of the support table 142 are transmitted to the control center 82, which, based on the sensor signals 144 and / or 148, can control the handling robots 76 and / or 80 in such a way as to regulate the pressure forces.

[0279] The control center 82 can thus supply corresponding control signals 84 to the first handling robot 76 and, if applicable, control signals 86 to the second handling robot 80, in which the sensor signals 144 and 148 are taken into account and processed. The fact that the data connection between the control center 82 and the two handling robots 76 and 80 is represented by the double arrows labeled 84 and 86, respectively, is intended to express that both handling robots 76 and 80 can preferably each supply sensor signals of different types to the control center 82 in order to facilitate the precise motion control of the respective swivel arms 78 and gripper heads 40 of the two handling robots 76 and 80, and in particular to enable force control based on the sensor signals supplied by the handling robots 76 and 80.

[0280] In addition to the aforementioned sensors, which detect and evaluate the drive forces of the electromechanical drives of the swivel arms 78 of the handling robots 76 and / or 80, the swivel arms 78 can optionally also be equipped with suitable strain gauge sensors, with which deformation effects of the arm sections and thus indirectly the exerted forces can be measured.

[0281] The advantage of such force measurement and control during the pretreatment of the packaging blanks 10 is that the same stretching tools 46 can be used for packaging blanks 10 requiring different pretreatments and for packaging blanks 10 of different dimensions, whereby the packaging blanks 10 can optionally also have through-holes with different diameters. Thus, the pretreatment of the packaging blanks 10 can be stopped when defined threshold values ​​of the measured forces are reached or exceeded.

[0282] Since the second handling robot 80 can also be included in the force measurement and / or force control, the forces to be applied by this handling robot 80 when applying the pretreated packaging blanks 10v to the article groupings can be measured (see Fig. 10A). If it is found during the application of the packaging blanks 10v that they are more difficult to apply (e.g., due to changes in the geometry of the cans), the target force value for the pretreatment at the expansion die 44 can be increased, and vice versa.

[0283] As already described with reference to Fig. 10A, the embodiment of the packaging device 2 shown in Fig. 15A can also have an additional optical inspection of the finished packaging units, e.g. by means of a camera 92, which can form an optical sensor device 90 (cf. Fig. 10A), and whose image signals can be evaluated by the control center 82.

[0284] Furthermore, the control unit 82 can optionally be connected to an external data storage device 96, which may, for example, be a data cloud 98. The signal and / or storage data 100 exchanged between the external data storage device 96 or the data cloud 98 and the control unit 82 are also indicated by a double arrow, which is intended to characterize the bidirectional nature of the data exchange. The external data storage device 96, which may, for example, be a data cloud 98, can serve to input and temporarily store numerous data, such as the measured and / or predefinable angles during the deformation of the tabs and / or the measured and / or predefinable force values ​​for pressing the packaging blanks 10 onto the article groupings 20 for the handling robots 80 used for this purpose, whereby the type of container being processed can also be taken into account.

[0285] Further relevant data can be stored there and kept available for the control center 82, such as information about the manufacturers and / or the materials and / or material thicknesses of the packaging blanks used 10, since meaningful setting values, threshold and target values ​​for the packaging device 2 as well as for other plant components can be obtained and derived from this.

[0286] Furthermore, the principles of machine learning can be taken into account for all this data exchanged between the control center 82 and the data storage facility 96, especially with the additional use of artificial intelligence.

[0287] Finally, Fig. 15B illustrates a further equipment option for the packaging device 2 according to Fig. 15A, namely a stretching tool 46, which can be constructed similarly to the stretching tool 46 according to Fig. 13A and / or Fig. 13C with the respective adjustable stretching cones 48. In addition, the variant of the stretching tool 46 shown in Fig. 15B can be equipped with sensors 150 that can detect forces and / or adjustment paths between the horizontally adjustable projections 118 and the upper section 132 of the pushrod 120 and generate corresponding sensor signals 152.

[0288] These sensor signals 152 from the sensors 150 can be transmitted to the control unit 82 and, in turn, used for force control in the manner described, in order to detect and control the compressive forces acting on the stretching tools 46 of the stretching die 44 during the pretreatment of a packaging blank 10. Optionally, individual stretching tools 46 or all stretching tools 46 of a stretching die 44 can be equipped with the sensors shown in Fig. 15B. The sensor signals 152 can be used and processed in the control unit 82 in addition to or supplementing the sensor signals 144 and / or 148 described above, in order to achieve the desired force or pressure control during the pretreatment of the packaging blanks 10. It should also be noted at this point that the [unclear] in Figures 10A,

[0289] The handling robots 76, 80 shown in 10B and 15A, or optionally an additional handling robot (not shown here), can also be responsible for and used to divide larger sheets of blanks into several small packaging blanks 10, which correspond to the size of the packaging units to be formed.

[0290] Handling robots 76, 80 can also be equipped with appropriate cutting or punching tools to be able to divide blank sheets into several packaging blanks 10.

[0291] The invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment. However, it is conceivable to a person skilled in the art that modifications or changes to the invention can be made without departing from the scope of protection of the following claims.

[0292] Reference symbol list

[0293] 2 Packaging precautions

[0294] 4 Feeding device

[0295] 6 Pretreatment module, device for pretreating

[0296] Packaging cutouts

[0297] 8 Packaging module

[0298] 10 Packaging cutouts

[0299] 12 items

[0300] 14 Passage opening

[0301] 14v pre-treated passage opening

[0302] 16 Edge area (of the passage opening)

[0303] 16v pretreated edge area

[0304] 16e heated edge area

[0305] 18 packaging units, containers

[0306] 20 Article grouping, article compilation

[0307] 22 cans, beverage cans

[0308] 24 lids rim

[0309] 26. Tapering, constriction

[0310] 28 Surface area

[0311] 30 closures, can closures

[0312] 32 fixing tabs

[0313] 34 radial incision, radial incisions

[0314] 36 narrow incisions, narrow incisions

[0315] 38 sub-areas

[0316] 40 gripper head

[0317] 42 Magazine

[0318] 44 Expansion die

[0319] 46 Stretching tool

[0320] 48 expansion cones

[0321] 50 vacuum suction cups

[0322] 52 tools

[0323] 54 printing stamps

[0324] 56 additional gripper heads

[0325] 58 vacuum suction cups

[0326] 60 Base plate (of the expansion die) Anchor point

[0327] breakthrough

[0328] Anchoring strip

[0329] Adjustment rail

[0330] Horizontal conveyor

[0331] Pre-crushing station

[0332] Magazine's first handling robot

[0333] Swivel arm of second handling robot

[0334] Control center

[0335] Control signals

[0336] Control signals

[0337] Control signals optical sensor device

[0338] camera

[0339] Image signals

[0340] Data storage facility

[0341] Data cloud

[0342] Signal and / or storage data

[0343] Conveyor direction, second pre-crushing station, second magazine, further expansion die, third pre-crushing station, third magazine, third expansion die

[0344] Base section adjustable projection

[0345] Pushrod ring-shaped shoulder

[0346] shaft

[0347] Return spring

[0348] Joint rod

[0349] Segment, expansion cone segment upper section 134 ring, expandable ring

[0350] 136 Fluid reservoir

[0351] 138 Pressure pump

[0352] 140 sealing ring

[0353] 142 Support table

[0354] 144 Sensor signal

[0355] 146 Sensor device

[0356] 148 Sensor signal

[0357] 150 Sensor

[0358] 152 Sensor signal

[0359] F Application force, joining force d14 mean diameter (of the passage opening) d14v mean diameter (of the pretreated passage opening)

Claims

Claims 1. Device (6) for pretreating packaging blanks (10), each having at least two through-openings (14) within a planar area for receiving at least two articles (12) to form a packaging unit (18), comprising the at least two articles (12) and the associated packaging blank (10), - which device (6) comprises at least one expansion die (44) which is provided for widening the at least two through-holes (14) of the packaging blank (10) and is equipped with at least two expansion tools (46), - which at least two stretching tools (46) for adapting to differently positioned passage openings (14) within different models of packaging blanks (10) are variably adjustable by changing the position of the at least two stretching tools (46) relative to the stretching die (44).

2. Device (6) according to claim 1, wherein the stretching tools (46) are mounted on guides, which guides are formed in particular by linear guides.

3. Device (6) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the expansion die (44) comprises a base plate (60) acting as a support, which has various anchoring points (62) for the respective positioning of expansion tools (46).

4. Device (6) according to claim 3, wherein the anchoring points (62) are distributed in a regular pattern over the base plate (60) of the expansion die (44) which acts as a support to provide different positions and / or distances of the expansion tools (46) that can be attached thereto.

5. Device (6) according to claim 1, wherein the expansion die (44) comprises a base plate (60) acting as a support, which has several anchoring strips (66) with expansion tools (46) attached thereto.

6. Device (6) according to claim 5, wherein the multiple stretching tools (46) attached to each of the anchoring strips (66) are variable in their distances from each other along the anchoring strip (66).

7. Device (6) according to claim 6, in which the multiple stretching tools (46) which are attached to each of the anchoring strips (66) are movable along the anchoring strip (66) by a motor.

8. Device (6) according to one of claims 5 to 7, in which the multiple anchoring strips (66) with the expansion tools (46) attached thereto are variable in their distances from each other.

9. Device (6) according to claim 8, in which the multiple anchoring strips (66) guided on the base plate (60) are movable along the base plate (60) by motor.

10. Device (6) according to one of claims 5 to 9, wherein the anchoring strips (66) are each guided on adjustment rails (68) arranged on opposite longitudinal sides of the base plate (60) of the expansion die (44), wherein the adjustment rails (68) in particular enable motorized adjustment of the anchoring strips (66).

11. Device (6) according to one of claims 1 to 10, in which the position and / or distance changes of the stretching tools (46) on the stretching die (44) can be carried out using at least one handling robot, which handling robot in particular forms an equipment element of the device (6) or is assigned to it.

12. Device (6) according to claim 11, wherein the expansion die (44) has a locking mechanism for positioning the expansion tools (46), wherein this locking mechanism can be actuated by means of the at least one handling robot.

13. Device (6) according to one of claims 1 to 12, in which at least one of the stretching tools (46) of the stretching die (44) is designed in such a way that an opening width and / or the extent of the widening of the at least one passage opening (14) during pretreatment of the packaging blanks (10) is / are variably adjustable by means of a variable and / or adjustable contour and / or opening width of the at least one stretching tool (46) of the stretching die (44).

14. Device (6) according to claim 13, wherein at least one stretching tool (46) or wherein several stretching tools (46) of the stretching die (44) each have adjustable and / or are equipped with expansion cones (48) which vary in their contour, over which the passage openings (14) of the packaging blanks (10) to be pretreated are pushed and thereby stretched and / or widened.

15. Method for pretreating packaging blanks (10), each having within a planar area at least two spaced-apart openings (14) for receiving at least two articles (12) to form a packaging unit (18) comprising the at least two articles (12) and the associated packaging blank (10), - wherein the pretreatment of the packaging blank (10) involves widening the at least two passage openings (14) to reduce a joining force (F) when applying the packaging blank (10) to the at least two articles (12) passing through the passage openings (14) using a stretching die (44) with at least two stretching tools (46), and - wherein the distances and / or positions of the at least two stretching tools (46) of the stretching die (44) can be variably adjusted to adapt to differently positioned passage openings (14) within different models of packaging blanks (10).

16. Method according to claim 15, wherein the stretching tools (46) can be adjusted and their positions changed along guides, which guides are in particular formed by linear guides.

17. Method according to claim 15, wherein the expansion die (44) comprises a base plate (60) acting as a support, which has various anchoring points (62) for the respective positioning of expansion tools (46), wherein the anchoring points (62) are distributed in a regular pattern over the base plate (60) of the expansion die (44) acting as a support to provide different positions and / or distances of the expansion tools (46) attached thereto, and wherein different anchoring points (62) on the base plate (60) are used to change the positions and / or distances of the expansion tools (46) to each other.

18. Method according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the expansion die (44) comprises a base plate (60) acting as a support, which has several anchoring strips (66) with expansion tools (46) attached thereto, wherein the several expansion tools (46) attached to each of the anchoring strips (66) are attached, and their distances from each other are variable along the anchoring strip (66).

19. Method according to one of claims 15 to 18, wherein the multiple anchoring strips (66) with the respective stretching tools (46) attached thereto are variable in their distances from one another by moving the multiple anchoring strips (66) guided on the base plate (60) along the base plate (60).

20. Method according to one of claims 15 to 19, wherein the position and / or distance changes of the stretching tools (46) on the stretching die (44) are carried out using at least one handling robot.

21. Method according to one of claims 15 to 20, wherein the stretching die (44) is equipped with at least one stretching tool (46) whose opening width and / or extent of the widening of the at least one passage opening (14) during pretreatment of the packaging blanks (10) can be variably adjusted by means of a variable and / or adjustable contour and / or opening width of the at least one adjustable stretching tool (46) of the stretching die (44).

22. Method according to claim 21, wherein the stretching tools (46) of the stretching die (44) are each equipped with adjustable and / or contour-variable stretching cones (48) over which the passage openings (14) of the packaging blanks (10) to be pretreated are pushed and thereby stretched and / or widened.

23. Packaging device (2) for producing packaging units (18) formed by at least two articles (12) and an associated packaging blank (10), wherein the at least two articles (12), when connected to the packaging blank (10), pass at least partially through openings (14) in a planar area of ​​the packaging blank (10), which packaging device (2) comprises at least: - a feeding device (4) for at least two articles (12), in particular for assemblies of several grouped articles (12), - a pretreatment module (6) for pretreating the packaging blanks (10) for application to the at least two articles (12) or to the assembly several grouped articles (12), as well as - a packaging module (8) for applying and fixing the pre-treated packaging blank (10) to the at least two articles (12), - wherein the pretreatment module (6) comprises at least one expansion die (44) for widening the at least two passage openings (14) of the packaging blank (10) is provided and is equipped with at least two stretching tools (46), wherein the at least two stretching tools (46) are variably adjustable to adapt to differently positioned passage openings (14) within different models of packaging blanks (10) by changing the position of the at least two stretching tools (46) relative to the stretching die (44).

24. Packaging device (2) according to claim 23, the pretreatment module (6) of which is formed by a device according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

25. Packaging device (2) according to claim 23 or 24, in which the pretreatment module (6) is movably arranged on a handling robot equipped therewith.

Images