Gripping device for applying packaging material blanks to container packs, and application robot having a gripping device

Abstract

The invention relates to a gripping device (3) for an application robot (4) of a system (1) for applying packaging material blanks (100) to container packs (2). The gripping device (3) has at least one gripping tool (5) with at least one application section (6) and at least one manipulation section (7). The application section (6) of the gripping tool (5) is designed to receive a packaging material blank (100) and to apply the packaging material blank (100) to a container pack (2). The manipulation section (7), for form- and / or force-fittingly gripping the container pack (2), is designed to rotate and / or move the gripped container pack (2).

Description

[0001] Gripping device for applying packaging material blanks to container bundles and application robot with a gripping device

[0002] The invention relates to a gripping device and a method for applying packaging material blanks to container packages, in particular for applying cardboard blanks forming a carrying handle to container packages, as well as to an application robot with such a gripping device.

[0003] It is known from the prior art to assemble or combine containers, such as bottles, especially PET bottles, into multipacks. Such container packages are often referred to as multipacks, particularly PET multipacks, and are very well known in the beverage industry, enjoying great popularity and demand in the market.

[0004] It is also known that the containers used to create such packages are joined together, for example, by gluing them with adhesive dots. Such a method for producing a container package by gluing is described, for example, in publication EP 3245 141 B1.

[0005] In containers of the type mentioned above, the containers are usually held together by secondary packaging, which may be provided in addition to adhesive bonding, for example. In particular, the secondary packaging can also be designed sustainably and in an environmentally friendly manner, for example, by avoiding plastic, and can be made of cardboard.

[0006] Such secondary packaging often also provides a carrying solution for the containers by including an integrated handle. Well-known examples include cardboard clips with integrated handles, which are applied to the top of the containers and provide the carrying grip.

[0007] 12272 WOZ For the automated, machine-based production of container units with secondary packaging, in particular for attaching or affixing such secondary packaging forming a carrying handle to containers or container units, appropriate devices or systems are required that can be integrated into or connected to production lines. Such systems are used particularly in the beverage industry.

[0008] In the production of containers of the aforementioned type, these are generally handled further during the production process after the application of the secondary packaging, particularly the carrying handle. This involves manipulation by rotating, shifting, and / or repositioning or distributing them in order to be processed further in a subsequent packaging machine according to the production specifications. The process steps of application and manipulation are usually carried out separately or sequentially, with known systems employing different devices, fixtures, or system components for each of these process steps, each fulfilling its specific task.

[0009] The devices or systems known from the prior art are generally complex in their design and often do not achieve the desired throughput and flexibility. In line with the general objective for production lines of this type—to achieve a high degree of automation with efficient operational processes—there is therefore still a need for improvement in the manufacture and further processing of container units with secondary packaging.

[0010] The invention is based on the objective of simplifying the production process in the manufacture of container packages with secondary packaging in order to increase flexibility and efficiency and to ensure the production of container packages with flexibly adaptable processes with the desired high performance and production speed.

[0011] This task is accomplished with a gripping device according to claim 1, an application robot according to claim 18, and a system and a method according to

[0012] 12272 WOden solved according to claims 22 and 23. Advantageous further developments and embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

[0013] The present invention provides a gripping device for an application robot of a system for applying packaging material blanks to containers. The gripping device comprises at least one gripping tool with at least one application section and at least one manipulation section. The application section of the gripping tool is designed to pick up a packaging material blank and to apply the packaging material blank to a container. The manipulation section is designed to grip the container by positive and / or non-positive engagement and to rotate and / or move the gripped container.

[0014] The gripping device according to the invention particularly advantageously reduces the number of separate process steps in the production of container units equipped with secondary packaging or packaging material blanks, thereby increasing production speed and efficiency. With the present invention, both the application of packaging material blanks and the necessary manipulation of the container units equipped with packaging material blanks—namely, rotating and / or moving, repositioning, or distributing the container units—can be carried out within a single machine part of the system, specifically with the same single unit of the application robot.

[0015] The gripping device according to the invention thus forms a bifunctional functional part, namely a bifunctional gripping device, and can also be understood as a machine part with several functions belonging to the application robot or the system for applying packaging material blanks.

[0016] In particular, the gripping tool of the gripping device is a combination tool with a dual function, namely a combination tool with application and manipulation functions. This dual-function combination tool fulfills the function of applying packaging material blanks as well as the function of rotating them.

[0017] 12272 Wound / or shifting of the container. In particular, the application section fulfills the application function and the manipulation section the manipulation function.

[0018] The application section is to be understood synonymously as the functional section for applying packaging material blanks and can also be referred to, within the meaning of the invention, as the functional geometry for applying the packaging material blanks. Similarly, the manipulation section is to be understood synonymously as the functional section for manipulating, rotating, and / or moving the container units and can also be referred to, within the meaning of the invention, as the functional geometry for manipulating the container units or as the functional geometry for rotating and / or moving the container units.

[0019] The present gripping device can also be understood as a single machine component that combines several conventional machine parts and therefore represents a combination of several commonly used machine components. This combination is achieved in particular by designing the gripping tool for applying packaging material blanks, especially cardboard carrying handles, in such a way that it fulfills the required multiple functions. This advantageously eliminates the need for various separate tools, as required in conventional systems. As a result, not only can increased efficiency and production speed be achieved in the manufacture of container units, but space requirements and installation space for the system, as well as costs, can also be saved.

[0020] In the present understanding, a "packaging material blank" is, in particular, a secondary packaging material used for container packaging, namely for the further, i.e., secondary, packaging and outfitting of containers, especially containers filled with beverages, such as PET bottles. Specifically, this refers to secondary packaging materials for bundles of two or more containers, which are also synonymously referred to as container bundles or

[0021] 12272 WO can simply be referred to as packages and are known, for example, as so-called multipacks, especially as multipacks in a “3-by-2” (six-pack) or “2-by-2” (four-pack) configuration.

[0022] The "packaging material blanks" in this case are preferably made of cardboard and can be understood, for example, as secondary packaging material blanks or as cardboard blanks, preferably designed in the form of cardboard blanks that each form a carrying handle and / or contain an integrated carrying handle. According to the present invention, the cardboard blanks are applied to the top surface of containers or container groups. The packaging material blanks can also be referred to as cardboard clips.

[0023] Preferably, the application and manipulation sections of the gripping tool are formed as a single piece. This results in not only favorable manufacturing costs but also a simple and highly stable gripping tool design. Furthermore, it facilitates the replacement of the gripping tool during production changeovers, format changes, and / or any necessary repairs.

[0024] Particular advantages arise from the fact that the application section is designed as a vacuum gripper and features a suction device and / or a nozzle unit. This makes both picking up packaging material blanks and placing them onto a container particularly easy, quick, and safe. In particular, this design allows for the individual picking up of each packaging material blank.

[0025] The gripping tool, particularly its application section, is preferably designed for the singulation of packaging blanks stacked in a packaging blank magazine. Advantageously, the packaging blanks can be singulated from a supplied stock by picking up such an application section designed as a vacuum gripper. A separate, preliminary singulation step of the packaging blanks, which must be performed before the

[0026] 12272 WOThe need to pick up those which must be done by the gripping tool can be advantageously omitted here.

[0027] According to a preferred embodiment, the gripping tool has exactly one application section and exactly one manipulation section. In this configuration, the gripping tool advantageously exhibits a particularly simple geometry and design. Depending on the size and configuration of the containers to be processed, which are fitted with a packaging material blank, this simple and compact geometry can prove optimal.

[0028] Depending on the size and configuration of the containers being processed, and on the manipulation steps required, particularly rotating, moving, and / or distributing the containers, advantages can arise from arranging the manipulation section adjacent to the application section. For example, the gripping tool can engage with several containers within a single container.

[0029] Alternatively, advantages can also arise from integrating the manipulation section into the application section, which allows the gripping tool to be designed in a particularly compact form, for example.

[0030] Preferably, the gripping tool can have exactly one application section and two manipulation sections. This design variant offers particular advantages with larger containers, as it allows for a more secure and stable form-fit and / or force-fit grip for rotation and / or displacement.

[0031] In this preferred embodiment with exactly one application section and two manipulation sections, each of the two manipulation sections is preferably arranged adjacent to the application section, with the application section being arranged between the two manipulation sections. Furthermore, in the preferred embodiment with exactly one application-

[0032] 12272 WO section and two manipulation sections, preferably one of the two manipulation sections being arranged adjacent to the application section and the other manipulation section being integrated into the application section. In the aforementioned variants, particularly safe rotation and / or displacement is possible.

[0033] According to a further preferred embodiment, the at least one manipulation section has at least two engagement sections, each of which engages a respective container of the container assembly in its corresponding head region by means of a positive and / or non-positive locking mechanism. This enables the positive and / or non-positive locking of the container assembly in a particularly simple, stable, and secure manner.

[0034] Particularly preferred are the two engagement sections of the at least one manipulation section designed to receive, at least partially, preferably a neck ring and / or a closure lid of the respective containers. Further significant advantages arise from the fact that the two engagement sections of the at least one manipulation section are pocket-shaped and, in particular, form individual engagement pockets for receiving, at least partially, preferably a neck ring and / or a closure lid of the respective containers.

[0035] Equally preferably, the two engagement sections of the at least one manipulation section can be designed to fully accommodate the neck ring and / or closure lid of the respective containers.

[0036] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the at least one manipulation section is designed as a frame and integrally formed with the application section. Advantageously, the container can be engaged all around via this frame, with the force applied during rotation and / or displacement being concentrated in the area of ​​the container's outer surfaces, thus enabling gentle handling of the container.

[0037] 12272 WOThe gripping tool is preferably designed as a format-changing part and is interchangeable depending on the format, wherein the gripping tool can be coupled to a holding element of the gripping device, in particular by means of a quick-change connection, preferably by means of a tool-free detachable quick-change connection. Advantageously, this not only simplifies maintenance and / or repair, but also allows the gripping device to be adapted to other container formats particularly quickly and user-friendly during a production changeover.

[0038] Furthermore, the gripping device preferably has at least one coupling section for connecting to the application robot, wherein the coupling section is preferably connectable to the gripping tool or preferably formed integrally with the gripping tool. This allows for easy coupling of the gripping device to the application robot, resulting in user-friendly assembly of the gripping device.

[0039] The present invention also relates to an application robot of a system for applying packaging material blanks to container packages, wherein the application robot is equipped with a gripping device according to one of the preceding claims. It is understood that the advantages explained above in connection with the gripping device also apply analogously to the application robot equipped with such a gripping device.

[0040] Preferably, the application robot is designed as a 4-axis robot, giving it many degrees of freedom and allowing it to flexibly grasp and release the containers in variable positions. In this way, the containers can be rotated and / or moved using complex motion operations according to a desired, predefined program.

[0041] Furthermore, the application robot is preferably configured to rotate a given container around an axis of the container parallel to its longitudinal axis, in particular by a rotation angle of 90°. The ability to perform such rotations allows the application robot to achieve a desired result.

[0042] 12272 WO Grouping of the container units or layering for subsequent packaging processes and / or palletizing is prepared or carried out. The axis of the container unit parallel to the longitudinal axis of the container can also be understood here as the vertical axis, in particular as the central axis. The vertical axis, in particular the central axis, can coincide with a rotation axis for rotating the container units.

[0043] It is also preferred that the application robot be set up to move the container bundles in order to distribute the container bundles onto at least two lanes.

[0044] By distributing the container units across two or more lanes, the application robots can accelerate and / or optimize the feeding of the containers to a subsequent packaging machine or palletizing system. This also allows, similar to rotation, the desired grouping of the containers or layer formation to be prepared for subsequent packaging processes and / or palletizing.

[0045] The present invention also relates to a system for applying packaging material blanks to container bundles, comprising at least one application robot as described above and a device for connecting individual containers to form container bundles. Naturally, the system can also include more than one application robot; in particular, several application robots can be arranged in series. Preferably, the system further comprises a container conveyor on which the container bundles are transported in a conveying direction during the application of the packaging material blank and on which the container bundles are rotated and / or moved by means of the application robot.

[0046] The system's device for joining the containers comprises an adhesive application unit for applying adhesive to the containers and a setting station downstream of the adhesive application unit for joining the adhesive-coated containers, thereby finally joining the container-

[0047] 12272 containers can be formed. Optionally, an orientation module for aligning the containers according to a predetermined target orientation can be positioned upstream of the adhesive application device.

[0048] The present invention also includes a method for applying packaging material blanks to containers using an application robot, wherein the application robot has a gripping device with at least one gripping tool. The gripping tool comprises at least one application section and at least one manipulation section. A respective packaging material blank is picked up by the application section of the gripping tool and applied to the container, and the container is gripped by the manipulation section in a form-fitting and / or force-fit manner, and is finally rotated and / or moved.

[0049] All the advantages described above also apply equally to the present method according to the invention, so reference is made to the advantages described in connection with the device.

[0050] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the figures and exemplary embodiments. The figures show:

[0051] Fig. 1, greatly simplified and schematically depicted, shows a section of a system for applying packaging material blanks to container packages, comprising several application robots, each with a gripping device, according to a first embodiment variant;

[0052] Fig. 2 schematically and only partially shows the gripping device according to the first embodiment variant in the area of ​​the gripping tool, with a container engaged;

[0053] Fig. 3 schematically shows the gripping tool according to Figure 2 in a perspective view;

[0054] 12272 WOFig. 4 greatly simplified and schematically depicts a section of a system for applying packaging material blanks to container bundles, comprising several application robots, each with a gripping device, according to a second embodiment variant;

[0055] Fig. 5 schematically and only partially shows the gripping device according to the second embodiment variant in the area of ​​the gripping tool, with a container engaged;

[0056] Fig. 6 schematically shows the gripping tool according to Figure 5 in a perspective view;

[0057] Fig. 7, greatly simplified and schematically depicted, shows a section of a system for applying packaging material blanks to container packages, comprising several application robots, each with a gripping device according to a third embodiment variant;

[0058] Fig. 8 schematically and only partially shows the gripping device according to the third embodiment variant in the area of ​​the gripping tool, with a container engaged;

[0059] Fig. 8a shows a section of the manipulation section of the gripping tool according to Figure 8, enlarged and enlarged;

[0060] Fig. 9 schematically shows the gripping tool according to Figure 8 in a perspective view;

[0061] Fig. 10 shows a highly simplified and schematic representation of a section of a system for applying packaging material blanks.

[0062] 12272 WO on container assemblies comprising several application robots, each with a gripping device according to a fourth design variant;

[0063] Fig. 11 schematically and only partially shows the gripping device according to the fourth embodiment variant in the area of ​​the gripping tool, with a container engaged;

[0064] Fig. 12 schematically shows in perspective view the gripping tool according to Figure 11 and

[0065] Fig. 13a, b shows an exemplary packaging material cutout and a container already fitted with it.

[0066] The system 1, shown only partially and in a highly simplified, roughly schematic representation in Figure 1, serves to apply packaging material blanks 100, in particular made of cardboard (not visible in Figure 1, see Figure 13), to container units 2 during the manufacture and / or further processing of the container units 2. In the present embodiment, the container units 2 are formed from containers 2.2, which are connected to each other by means of an adhesive or by means of adhesive dots.

[0067] In particular, the present system 1 can be used to apply packaging blanks 100 that can be attached to the top of a container 2 and that include or form a carrying handle for the container 2. Such packaging blanks 100 can also be referred to as cardboard clips 100. The present system 1 can, in particular, be integrated as part of a complex system for the production of containers 2, especially containers made of PET bottles filled with beverages, and is therefore preferably used in the beverage industry, for example in a beverage bottling plant or beverage processing or packaging plant.

[0068] 12272 WO In the section of system 1 shown in Figure 1, the system comprises at least one container conveyor 8 for conveying the container units 2 in a conveying direction FR. Furthermore, system 1 includes several application robots 4 for applying the packaging material blanks 100 to the container units 2 conveyed by the container conveyor 8, and for manipulating the container units 2, in particular the container units 2 provided with a respective packaging material blank 100. As shown in the example of Figure 1, the container conveyor 8 can preferably be designed in the form of a conveyor belt on which the container units 2 can be moved, in particular conveyed, in one or more lanes.

[0069] The application robots 4 are arranged adjacent to the container conveyor 8, preferably laterally to it, and are evenly distributed along its longitudinal extent or along the conveying direction FR, such that each of the application robots 4 has unimpeded access to the container units 2 transported by the container conveyor 8. The application robots 4 are further configured and arranged such that each application robot 4 can pick up packaging material blanks 100 at a corresponding staging position, for example from a (not shown in the figures) dispensing magazine for the packaging material blanks 100, and transport them from this staging position to the container units 2 transported on the container conveyor 8.

[0070] An exemplary embodiment of a packaging material blank 100, applicable with System 1, in the form of a cardboard clip 100, is shown in Figure 13a. Figure 13b shows a completed container 2 already fitted with the cardboard clip 100. The exemplary cardboard clip 100 includes a carrying handle section 102 and can be applied to the top of a container 2 using the present System 1. For this purpose, the cardboard clip 100 has two openings 101, 10T, so that the respective neck areas of the individual containers 2.2, each carrying a closure lid 2.1, engage in or protrude through the openings 101, 10T of the cardboard clip 100, and the cardboard clip 100 can thus be fixed to the container 2. For secure attachment and fixing to the containers 2.2, the cardboard clips 100 can additionally

[0071] 12272 WOnoch - not shown in the figures - have folding sections or the like, which are folded, bent or folded over during application, for example by means of the gripping tool 5 (see e.g. figures 3, 6, 9, 12).

[0072] The packaging blanks 100 can be automatically picked up by the application robots 4 using their respective gripping devices 3, for example, from a dispensing magazine chute of the dispensing magazine, and applied to the containers 2.2 or container bundles 2 conveyed in the conveying direction FR on the container conveyor 8. Furthermore, the container bundles 2 can be automatically manipulated by the application robots 4 using their respective gripping devices 3 and can be rotated and / or moved using the gripping device 3, in particular by moving them onto two or more lanes on the container conveyor 8.

[0073] The gripping device 3 of each application robot 4 comprises at least one gripping tool 5. The gripping device 3 with the gripping tool 5 according to the preferred embodiment of Figure 1 is shown as a section in enlarged view in Figure 2, wherein the section shown in Figure 2 is indicated in Figure 1 by a circle and labeled with the letter Z. In the representation of Figure 2, the gripping device 3, in particular the gripping tool 5, is engaged with a container 2 currently being processed. Figure 3 shows the gripping tool 5 in isolation.

[0074] The gripping tool 5 of a respective gripping device 3 has at least one application section 6 and at least one manipulation section 7. The application section 6 of the gripping tool 5 is designed to pick up a single packaging material blank 100 and to apply the single packaging material blank 100 to a respective container 2. The manipulation section 7 is designed to grip the container 2 by positive and / or non-positive engagement, so that the gripped container 2 can be rotated and / or moved.

[0075] The gripping tool 5 of the gripping device 3 thus forms a combination gripping tool 5 with a dual function, namely a combination gripping tool 5 for picking up

[0076] 12272 WOund Applying packaging material blanks 100 onto the container 2 and manipulating the container 2 by turning and / or moving.

[0077] In the gripping tool 5 according to the example in Figures 1 to 3, application and manipulation sections 6, 7 are formed integrally, the gripping tool 5 comprising exactly one application section 6 and two manipulation sections 7. Each of the two manipulation sections 7 is arranged adjacent to the application section 6, so that the application section 6 is located between the two manipulation sections 7. As can be seen particularly in Figure 2, the exemplary gripping tool 5 can be used to provide and manipulate a container assembly 2, composed of six containers 2.2 (in a "three-by-two" arrangement), with a packaging material blank 100.

[0078] The packaging material blank 100 is picked up by means of the application section 6, specifically centrally with respect to the gripping tool 5, and is then applied to the middle pair of containers 2.2 of the container assembly 2. Each of the manipulation sections 7 provided on both sides of the application section 6 engages one of the respective outer pairs of containers 2.2 of the container assembly 2 by means of a positive and / or non-positive locking mechanism, by each manipulation section 7 engaging an outer pair of containers 2.2.

[0079] Each manipulation section 7 of the example according to Figures 1 to 3 has two engagement sections 9, each of which engages a respective container 2.2 of the container assembly 2 in its corresponding head region by means of a form-fit and / or force-fit connection. The two engagement sections 9 of each manipulation section 7 are designed to receive at least a partial, and in particular a semi-circular, neck ring and / or the closure lid 2.1 of the respective containers 2.2, such that the two engagement sections 9 of the two manipulation sections 7 are pocket-shaped and, in particular, form respective engagement pockets 9 for receiving at least a partial, preferably semi-circular, neck ring and / or closure lid 2.1 of the respective containers 2.2.

[0080] 12272 WOThe application section 6 is designed, for example, as a vacuum gripper and has a suction device and / or a nozzle unit for this purpose, so that a respective packaging material blank 100 can preferably be held on the underside of the gripping tool 5, as can be seen, for example, in Figure 2.

[0081] In particular, the application section 6 of the gripping tool 5 is designed as a partial housing on its upper side, namely on a top surface facing upwards away from the container 2 in the operating position. With this partial housing-like area 6a, the application section 6 essentially provides a housing section or receiving area through which, for example, the suction device and / or nozzle unit or devices for generating a vacuum or suction force can be guided and / or protected within it. Through corresponding recesses and / or openings arranged in a base section 6b of the application section 6, which is essentially planar or plate-like, the suction device and / or nozzle unit can penetrate the base section of the application section 6 and hold the packaging material blank 100 against the underside of the application section 6 by suction.

[0082] The packaging material blank 100, held in place on its underside by vacuum or suction force, is placed onto the container 2 via the application section 6 and applied to it. Simultaneously with and / or after the placement of the packaging material blank 100, preferably already during or immediately after placement, the container 2 is also gripped by the manipulation sections 7 of the gripping tool 5 in a form-fitting and / or force-fit manner, and the gripped container 2 can be moved in the conveying direction FR and / or transversely to the conveying direction FR and / or rotated in a rotational direction DR.

[0083] The moving and / or rotating of a corresponding container 2 is carried out by the respective application robot 4, which is, for example, designed as a 4-axis robot and is configured and controlled accordingly to perform the moving and / or rotating movements. The rotating of the container-

[0084] 12272 Water container 2 is in particular rotated around a vertical axis HA of the container container 2 parallel to a longitudinal axis of the container, for example by a rotation angle of 90°.

[0085] Figures 4 to 6 show another example of System 1 with an alternative, equally preferred embodiment of the gripping device 3 of the application robot 4. Analogous to the illustrations in Figures 1 to 3, Figure 4 also initially shows System 1 in an overview view. The gripping device 3 with the gripping tool 5 according to the embodiment of Figure 4 is again shown as a section in enlarged detail in Figure 5, where the section shown in Figure 5 is indicated in Figure 4 by a circle and labeled with the letter A. In the illustration of Figure 5, the gripping device 3, in particular the gripping tool 5, is engaged with a container 2 currently being processed, and Figure 6 shows the gripping tool 5 in isolation.

[0086] In contrast to the example described above in Figures 1 to 3, in the embodiment shown in Figures 4 to 6, the manipulation section 7 of the gripping tool 5, or the manipulation sections 7 of the gripping tool 5, are designed in a frame-like manner. The manipulation section 7 is formed on the application section 6 in such a way that it forms a frame 10 projecting downwards from the underside of the application section 6.

[0087] In the example shown in Figures 4 to 6, the frame 10 formed by the manipulation section 7 provides a closed frame 10 with a circumferential frame wall. The closed frame 10 is shaped and dimensioned such that it completely encloses a container assembly 2, which in turn is composed of six containers 2.2 (in a "three-by-two" arrangement), and in doing so, with an inner frame surface 10a forming a contact surface or a wall surface, it abuts section by section against each of the six containers 2.2, namely in particular in the area of ​​their cylindrical outer surfaces.

[0088] Figures 7 to 9 show a further example of System 1 with an alternative, equally preferred embodiment of the gripping device 3 of the application robot 4. Analogous to the illustrations in Figures 1 to 3, Figure 7 also initially shows System 1 in an overview view. The gripping device 3 with the gripping tool 5 according to the embodiment of Figure 7 is again shown as a section in enlarged detail in Figure 8, wherein the section shown in Figure 8 is indicated in Figure 7 by a circle and labeled with the letter X. In the illustration of Figure 8, the gripping device 3, in particular the gripping tool 5, is engaged with a container 2 currently being processed, with a further enlarged section of this shown in Figure 8a in more detail, and Figure 9 showing the gripping tool 5 in isolation.

[0089] In contrast to the example shown in Figures 1 to 3, the gripping tool 5 in the embodiment shown in Figures 7 to 9 has exactly one application section 6 and exactly one manipulation section 7, wherein the manipulation section 7 is integrated into the application section 6. In this preferred embodiment, the partially housing-like area provided on the upper side of the application section 6 is configured such that a contact and / or support surface 11 is provided on an inner wall of the housing section 6a or receiving area, at least partially, for contact-locking lateral contact against the closure cover 2.1 and / or a neck ring 2.3 of the container 2.2 of the container assembly 2.

[0090] The mounting and / or support surface 11 of the illustrated example is approximately stepped and has a first surface section 11a for lateral contact against the closure cover 2.1, an adjoining inclined surface section 11b and a second surface section 11c adjoining the latter for lateral contact against the neck ring 2.3.

[0091] Figures 10 to 12 show a further example of System 1 with yet another alternative, equally preferred embodiment of the gripping device 3 of the application robot 4. Analogous to the illustrations in Figures 1 to 3, Figure 10 also initially shows System 1 in an overview view.

[0092] 12272 WOGreifgerät 3 with the gripping tool 5 according to the embodiment shown in Figure 10 is again shown as a section in enlarged view in Figure 11, wherein the section shown in Figure 11 is indicated in Figure 10 by a circle and labelled with the letter V. In the representation of Figure 11, the gripping device 3, in particular the gripping tool 5, is engaged with a container 2 currently being processed, and Figure 12 shows the gripping tool 5 in isolated view.

[0093] In contrast to the example shown in Figures 1 to 3, the gripping tool 5 in the embodiment shown in Figures 10 to 12 has exactly one application section 6 and exactly one manipulation section 7, with the manipulation section 7 being arranged adjacent to the application section 6. As can be seen particularly in Figure 11, the exemplary gripping tool 5 can be used to apply and manipulate a container assembly 2, composed of four containers 2.2 (in a "two-by-two" arrangement), with a packaging blank 100.

[0094] The packaging blank 100 is applied to one of the pairs of containers 2.2 of the container assembly 2 by means of the application section 6, and the manipulation section 7, located adjacent to the application section 6, engages the other pair of containers 2.2 of the container assembly 2 by means of a positive and / or non-positive connection and engages them. For this purpose, the manipulation section 7 has two engagement sections 12, each of which engages a respective container 2.2 of the container assembly 2 in its corresponding head region by means of a positive and / or non-positive connection. The two engagement sections 12 of the manipulation section 7 are round-hole-like recesses for fully accommodating a neck ring and / or the closure lid 2.1 of the respective containers 2.2.

[0095] In all the embodiments described above, it was assumed that system 1 has several, in particular four, application robots 4. However, it is understood that embodiments deviating from the examples shown in Figures 1, 4, 7 and 10 are also conceivable.

[0096] 12272 Whereby only one application robot 4 is provided or several application robots 4 in a different number than shown in the figures.

[0097] In all described embodiments of the gripping tool 5, it can be designed as a format-changing part and be interchangeable depending on the format, regardless of its individual configuration. Preferably, the gripping tool can be coupled to a holding element of the gripping device 3 by means of a quick-change connection, preferably a tool-free quick-change connection. The gripping device 3, in turn, has a coupling section 13 for coupling to the application robot 4.

[0098] 12272 WO reference number list

[0099] 1 system

[0100] 2 container packages

[0101] 2.1 Sealing cap

[0102] 2.2 Containers

[0103] 2.3 Neck ring

[0104] 3 Gripping device

[0105] 4 application robots

[0106] 5 Gripping tool

[0107] 6 Application section

[0108] 6a Partially housing-like area; housing section 6b Base section

[0109] 7. Manipulation section

[0110] 8 container conveyors

[0111] 9 Intervention section

[0112] 10 frames

[0113] 10a Inside of frame

[0114] 11 Plant and / or support area

[0115] 11a first area section

[0116] 11b Sloped surface section

[0117] 11c second area section

[0118] 12 Intervention section

[0119] 13 Coupling section

[0120] 100 packaging material cut-to-size pieces

[0121] 101, 101' Breakthroughs

[0122] 102 Carrying handle section

[0123] DR Direction of rotation

[0124] FR Direction of Conveyance

[0125] HA High axis

[0126] 12272 WO

Claims

Patent claims 1. Gripping device (3) for an application robot (4) of a system (1) for applying packaging material blanks (100) to container units (2), wherein the gripping device (3) has at least one gripping tool (5) with at least one application section (6) and at least one manipulation section (7), wherein the application section (6) of the gripping tool (5) is designed for picking up a packaging material blank (100) and for applying the packaging material blank (100) to a container unit (2), wherein the manipulation section (7) is designed for positive and / or force-fit gripping of the container unit (2) for rotating and / or moving the gripped container unit (2).

2. Gripping device (3) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the application and manipulation sections (6, 7) of the gripping tool (5) are formed in one piece.

3. Gripping device (3) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the application section (6) is designed as a vacuum gripper and has a suction device and / or a nozzle unit.

4. Gripping device (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the gripping tool (5), in particular its application section (6), is designed for singulating and picking up packaging material blanks (100) stacked in a packaging material blank magazine.

5. Gripping device (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the gripping tool (5) has exactly one application section (6) and exactly one manipulation section (7).

6. Gripping device (3) according to claim 5, characterized in that the manipulation section (7) is arranged adjacent to the application section (6). 12272 WO7. Gripping device (3) according to claim 5, characterized in that the manipulation section (7) is integrated into the application section (6).

8. Gripping device (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the gripping tool (5) has exactly one application section (6) and two manipulation sections (7).

9. Gripping device (3) according to claim 8, characterized in that each of the two manipulation sections (7) is arranged adjacent to the application section (6), wherein the application section (6) is arranged between the two manipulation sections (7).

10. Gripping device (3) according to claim 8, characterized in that one of the two manipulation sections (7) is arranged adjacent to the application section (6) and the other manipulation section (7) is integrated into the application section (6).

11. Gripping device (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one manipulation section (7) has at least two engagement sections (9, 12), each of which engages a respective container (2.2) of the container assembly (2) in its corresponding head area in a form-fit and / or force-fit manner.

12. Gripping device (3) according to claim 11 , characterized in that the two engagement sections (9) of the at least one manipulation section (7) are designed for at least partial, preferably semi-circular, picking up of a neck ring (2.3) and / or a closure lid (2.1) of the respective containers (2.2).

13. Gripping device (3) according to claim 12, characterized in that the two engagement sections (9) of the at least one manipulation section (7) are pocket-shaped and in particular respective engagement pockets for 12272 WO at least sectionally, preferably semi-circularly, receiving a neck ring (2.3) and / or a closure lid (2.1) of the respective containers (2.2).

14. Gripping device (3) according to claim 11 , characterized in that the two engagement sections (12) of the at least one manipulation section (7) are designed to fully grasp the neck ring (2.3) and / or closure lid (2.1) of the respective containers (2.2).

15. Gripping device (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one manipulation section (7) is designed in a frame-like manner and is integrally formed with the application section (6).

16. Gripping device (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the gripping tool (5) is designed as a format change part and is interchangeable depending on the format, wherein the gripping tool (5) can be coupled to a holding element of the gripping device (3) in particular by means of a quick-change connection, preferably by means of a tool-free detachable quick-change connection.

17. Gripping device (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the gripping device (3) further comprises at least one coupling section (13) for coupling with the application robot (4), wherein the coupling section (13) is preferably connectable to the gripping tool (5) or is formed integrally with the gripping tool (5).

18. Application robot (4) of a system (1 ) for applying packaging material blanks (100) to container bundles (2), with a gripping device (3) according to one of the preceding claims.

19. Application robot (4 ') according to claim 18, characterized in that the application robot (4) is designed as a 4-axis robot. 12272 WO20. Application robot (4) according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that the application robot (4) is configured to rotate a respective container (2) about a vertical axis (HA) of the container (2) parallel to a longitudinal axis of the container, in particular about an angle of rotation of 90°.

21. Application robot (4) according to one of claims 18 to 20, characterized in that the application robot (4) is configured to move the container sets (2) in order to distribute the container sets (2) on at least two lanes.

22. System (1) for applying packaging material blanks (100) to container bundles (2), comprising at least one application robot (4) according to one of claims 18 to 21 and a device for connecting individual containers (2.2) to container bundles (2).

23. Method for applying packaging material blanks (100) to container units (2) using an application robot (4), wherein the application robot (4) has a gripping device (3) with at least one gripping tool (5), wherein the gripping tool (5) comprises at least one application section (6) and at least one manipulation section (7), wherein a respective packaging material blank (100) is picked up by means of the application section (6) of the gripping tool (5) and applied to the container unit (2), and wherein the container unit (2) is gripped by means of the manipulation section (7) in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner and rotated and / or moved. 12272 WO

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