Application tool and method for applying packaging blanks

Abstract

An application tool (1) for applying a packaging blank (5) to a beverage container group (15) is disclosed, which packaging blank (5) forms a top panel and a band (6) that, in the applied state, extends around the beverage container group. The application tool (1) is designed to receive a packaging blank (5) in which the band (6) extends in a closed manner. The application tool (1) further comprises a blade (35) that is configured to fold and align the top panel between adjacent beverage containers (25) of the respective beverage container group (15).

Description

[0001] Application tool and method for applying packaging blanks

[0002] The present invention relates to an application tool and a method for applying packaging blanks.

[0003] Packaging blanks are already known in the art that form a cover and a surrounding band that runs around the respective beverage container group when the packaging blank has been applied to the respective beverage container group. Such a packaging blank is disclosed, for example, in WO 2022 / 112092 A1. In practice, such packaging blanks are applied to beverage container groups, whereupon an adhesive is applied to the free end areas of the band, and the free end areas are bonded together via the applied adhesive. This closes the band.

[0004] Because packaging blanks are applied to groups of beverage containers at high frequency, it regularly happens that the adhesive application is not exactly in a predetermined position. This can cause the ends of the circulating belt to separate, as the adhesive force provided by the adhesive is insufficient to hold the ends together. It also cannot be ruled out that the adhesive may come into contact with the products, which could lead to malfunctions in the operation of the packaging machine.

[0005] Changing an application tool used to apply the packaging blank is currently a very time-consuming process. Furthermore, in order to close the end sections of the conveyor belt in the packaging machine, known systems require the beverage container groups to be moved through the machine with their narrow end facing forward, with the end sections of the still-open belt extending essentially in the direction of transport. To accommodate such transport, packaging machines known from the prior art have a large or complex structure. Packaging machines that can be installed in a relatively small footprint are desirable. Packaging machines characterized by high flexibility are also desirable.

[0006] One object of the invention can be seen as providing a possibility in which the aforementioned disadvantages are at least partially avoided.

[0007] The above problem is solved by the items which comprise the features in the independent claims. Further advantageous embodiments are described by the dependent claims.

[0008] The invention relates to an application tool for applying a packaging blank to a group of beverage containers, the packaging blank comprising a cover and a band extending around the beverage container group when applied. The application tool is designed to receive such a packaging blank, in which the band runs continuously. Furthermore, the application tool includes a blade equipped for folding and aligning the cover between adjacent beverage containers of the respective beverage container group.

[0009] The blade can be narrower at one end than in a region further away from the end. Alternatively or additionally, it can taper to a point and be substantially V-shaped or, at least in some areas, substantially U-shaped. In particular, it can be substantially V-shaped or substantially U-shaped in a region intended for surface contact with the lid of the respective packaging blank when the blade folds the lid. Such embodiments reduce the risk of problems arising when folding and aligning the lid between adjacent beverage containers of the respective beverage container group. The end region can be understood to be, in particular, the region that is in surface contact with the packaging blank when the blade folds the lid of the packaging blank.

[0010] The sword can be elongated. Alternatively or additionally, the sword can have a length, at least at its end, that is less than the distance between two opposite inner sides of the encircling band. This length can be greater than half the aforementioned distance.

[0011] When a closed band is mentioned in connection with the present description, it may refer to one with several end sections that are connected to form the closed band. This connection can be achieved, for example, by applying an adhesive. Alternatively, the connection may be made by positively interlocking the end sections, possibly by inserting them into each other in pairs. It is also conceivable that the closed band is formed in one piece, so that no joining of end sections is necessary to create a closed band.

[0012] Since the application tool can accept the packaging blank with an already closed band, it is possible to close the band before receiving it or to accept a packaging blank where the band is one piece and closed.

[0013] If adhesive application is necessary to close the tape, it can be applied to the tape's end sections before it is received. This eliminates the risk of the adhesive coming into unintended contact with beverage containers, which could disrupt the packaging process. Another advantage is that the adhesive can be applied very precisely to the tape's end sections before the packaging blank is received, ensuring that the end sections are securely held together once the tape is closed and the adhesive has cured.

[0014] Since an adhesive application unit does not necessarily need to be located directly next to the application tool, a compact packaging device can be provided. Furthermore, components of the packaging device can be easily replaced and maintained, as the application tool has a simple design and individual components of the packaging device are easily accessible.

[0015] Design features have proven effective in which the sword is movably mounted relative to a frame structure of the application tool.

[0016] In particular, the blade can be movably mounted relative to a frame structure of the application tool with one degree of freedom f=1. This allows the lid of the packaging blank to be folded by means of the movement. The movement of the application tool relative to the frame structure can optionally be effected by an actuator or a drive of the application tool, which alternatively can also be part of at least one industrial robot, which will be described below. The actuator or drive can be configured to move the blade, particularly in a linear fashion.

[0017] Alternatively, the sword can be moved linearly relative to a frame of the application tool via a separate drive.

[0018] Furthermore, the application tool for receiving such a packaging blank may be designed in such a way that the band of the unapplied packaging blank surrounds a free space containing no packaging material. The packaging blank may therefore be open or completely open in the area of ​​the band. In such embodiments, a packaging blank can be applied to beverage containers with minimal application force, as there is no resistance when the closed band is guided around the beverage containers of a given group by the application tool.

[0019] It is also possible that a separating plate or separating element of the application tool forms several recesses that correspond to beverage containers and whose positions on the blade are aligned with a predetermined target orientation of beverage containers within a group. In various embodiments, the blade may include a contact edge at one end, which is intended for inserting the lid beneath an upper surface of the beverage containers. At least two recesses may be provided that interrupt this contact edge.

[0020] In particular, a recess, or exactly one recess, can be provided for each pair of beverage containers. This allows beverage containers within a given group to be easily aligned before the respective packaging blank is applied to the group using the application tool.

[0021] Alternatively or additionally, the blade of the application tool may have several recesses that correspond to beverage containers, and whose positions on the blade are aligned with a predetermined target orientation of the beverage containers within a group. Specifically, one recess, or even exactly one recess, may be provided for each pair of beverage containers. This allows beverage containers within a given group to be easily aligned before the respective packaging blank is applied to the group using the application tool. The blade can thus serve both for folding the lid and for aligning the beverage containers, fulfilling a dual function.

[0022] Such designs have proven effective in applying a packaging blank securely and without problems to a group of beverage containers, since the beverage containers are located exactly in an expected target position when the cover is folded over the blade.

[0023] The top of the packaging blank can be formed by a plateau and two sloping roof sections adjoining the plateau. Alternatively or additionally, the packaging blank can have fold lines positioned so that the plateau forms a V-shape when the top is folded over the blade.

[0024] The application tool may also form a receptacle with at least a partially circumferential rim on which a packaging blank rests when it is received by the application tool. In particular, the receptacle may comprise four corner areas or exactly four corner areas, and the circumferential rim may be formed at least in these four corner areas or at least in these exactly four corner areas. Alternatively or additionally, the application tool may have one or more holding devices for securing a packaging blank by means of suction.

[0025] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the application tool is designed for the simultaneous application of multiple packaging blanks to several groups of beverage containers, each packaging blank forming a cover and a band that, when applied, runs around the respective beverage container group. The application tool can be designed to receive the multiple packaging blanks, with the band running continuously around each one. For example, the application tool could also include several blades, each equipped for folding and aligning the respective cover between adjacent beverage containers within the respective beverage container group.

[0026] The invention also relates to the use of an application tool according to an embodiment of the preceding description for applying a packaging blank to a group of beverage containers, wherein the beverage containers are beverage cans.

[0027] Alternatively, the invention may relate to the use of an application tool according to an embodiment of the preceding description for applying a packaging blank to a group of beverage containers, wherein the beverage containers are beverage bottles.

[0028] The invention further relates to a packaging device for beverage containers. The beverage containers can be, in particular, beverage bottles or beverage cans.

[0029] The packaging device comprises at least one industrial robot with at least one application tool according to one embodiment of the preceding description. Each of the previously described embodiments of the application tool can therefore be designed as a component of the at least one industrial robot or be carried by the at least one industrial robot. The at least one industrial robot can, for example, be at least one gantry robot, at least one articulated robot, or at least one delta kinematic robot.

[0030] Furthermore, the packaging device comprises at least one horizontal conveyor for transporting groups of beverage containers, wherein the at least one industrial robot is designed via the at least one application tool for receiving packaging blanks, in which the belt runs closed, to move a received packaging blank to a group of beverage containers arranged on the at least one horizontal conveyor and to apply the packaging blank to the respective group of beverage containers.

[0031] The packaging device can include at least one magazine for stacking and storing packaging blanks, which form a cover and a band running around the beverage container group when applied. The at least one magazine can be configured for stacking and storing packaging blanks where the cover is folded and where the inner and opposite sides of the closed band are in contact with each other.

[0032] Alternatively or additionally, the packaging device may include an intermediate storage area. The at least one industrial robot, or a further robot, of the packaging device may be configured to place packaging blanks onto the intermediate storage area where the tape is not yet closed. A handling device of the packaging device may be positioned in the area of ​​the intermediate storage area, which closes the tape and, if necessary, applies an adhesive to the end sections of the tape that are still open.The at least one industrial robot can be equipped with at least one application tool for receiving packaging blanks, where the belt runs continuously, from the intermediate storage area, as well as for transferring a received packaging blank to a beverage container group arranged on the at least one horizontal conveyor device and for applying the packaging blank to the respective beverage container group.

[0033] The at least one horizontal conveying device can include a lane guide for beverage containers, which is located upstream of a working area of ​​the at least one industrial robot in one direction of flow of the beverage containers. The packaging device can also include a divider that separates beverage containers from a flow of beverage containers, so that several beverage containers form a respective beverage container group.

[0034] It is conceivable that the at least one industrial robot is designed to pick up packaging blanks that have been received and folded up to that point. In particular, it is possible that the at least one industrial robot is equipped with at least one application tool for picking up packaging blanks that have been received and folded up to that point. It is also possible that the at least one industrial robot is equipped with at least one application tool for removing folded packaging blanks from at least one magazine, picking up the removed packaging blanks, and applying the picked-up packaging blanks, as well as those removed from the at least one magazine, onto groups of beverage containers. Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that the at least one industrial robot is equipped to close the conveyor belt.In this process, at least one industrial robot may be configured to remove a packaging blank from a magazine while the conveyor belt is still open. Additionally, at least one industrial robot may be configured to close the conveyor belt as it is transported to the respective beverage container group.

[0035] Furthermore, the packaging device can include a manufacturing station, wherein the at least one industrial robot is designed to receive packaging blanks from the manufacturing station and wherein the manufacturing station includes at least one negative mold for at least one packaging blank.

[0036] Alternatively or additionally, the packaging device may include a manufacturing station, wherein the at least one industrial robot is designed to receive packaging stations from the manufacturing station, and wherein the manufacturing station includes an adhesive application device for applying adhesive to at least one end area of ​​the strip which has not yet been closed.

[0037] The packaging device can include a magazine for stacking and storing packaging blanks, which form a cover and a band that runs around the beverage container group when applied. Furthermore, the packaging device can include a winding station for unfolding folded packaging blanks that have been taken from the magazine.

[0038] It is also conceivable that the packaging device includes a magazine for stacking and storing packaging blanks, which form a cover and a band that runs around the beverage container group when applied. In this case, at least one industrial robot may be designed to remove folded packaging blanks from the magazine and to apply them to the packaging.

[0039] The invention may relate to a system wherein the packaging device is designed as a component of the system. The system may further comprise at least one of the following stations: a filling machine arranged upstream of the packaging device in a flow direction for introducing a beverage into the beverage containers; a grouping station arranged downstream of the packaging device in a flow direction, via which groups of beverage containers, onto which packaging blanks have been applied, can be transferred into a relative arrangement to one another, which is aligned with a palletizable layer to be formed from the beverage container groups;

[0040] a palletizing station for transferring and placing palletizable layers onto an assigned pallet;

[0041] A shrinking device arranged upstream or downstream of the packaging device in a flow direction, by which thermoplastic packaging material can be shrunk onto groups of beverage containers; a gluing machine arranged upstream of the packaging device in a flow direction for joining beverage containers of a respective beverage container group via adhesive points;

[0042] a stretch wrapper for wrapping already palletized layers with stretch film.

[0043] The packaging device can be connected to at least one of these stations via at least one conveyor. If several of these stations are provided, these multiple stations can be interconnected via conveyors.

[0044] The packaging device may include a control unit. The control unit may be designed as a PLC or programmable logic controller.

[0045] The invention also relates to a method for applying packaging blanks to groups of beverage containers. It is possible that the aforementioned packaging device is configured to carry out the embodiments of the method described below. It is also possible that the embodiments of the method described below are carried out with a packaging device according to one of the embodiments described above.

[0046] In this process, packaging blanks, consisting of a cover and a band that wraps around the beverage container group, are picked up by an application tool and placed onto the respective beverage container group. A blade of the application tool then folds the cover of the packaging blank so that it is positioned between adjacent beverage containers within the group. The band is closed before folding. This prevents the adhesive from unintentionally coming into contact with the beverage containers. Furthermore, the process requires minimal space and allows for easy maintenance of the components involved.

[0047] Embodiments have proven effective in which the packaging blank forms a respective opening or slot for each beverage container in the beverage container group, wherein an edge area of ​​the respective opening or an edge area of ​​the respective slot is positioned below a neck ring or below a flanged edge of the respective beverage container by the blade of the application tool folding the top of the respective packaging blank.

[0048] In particular, the packaging blank for several beverage containers within a beverage container group may have a first opening or slot and a second opening or slot, with an edge of the first opening or slot being positioned below a neck ring or crimped edge of the respective beverage container when the application tool places the packaging blank onto a particular beverage container group or when the blade folds the top of the packaging blank. Furthermore, an edge of the second opening or slot may be positioned below the neck ring or crimped edge of the respective beverage container when the blade of the application tool folds the top of the packaging blank.

[0049] The process may include a manufacturing station that applies an adhesive to the end areas of the still open tape, then closes the tape and receives the packaging blank in a negative mold, in which the adhesive at least partially hardens.

[0050] In preferred embodiments, four free end regions of the hitherto unclosed band can be formed via four tabs, wherein the four tabs have a substantially identical length along their longitudinal axis.

[0051] The invention also relates to a pre-assembled packaging blank which forms a cover and a closed band running under the cover which extends away from the cover in an unfolded state, wherein the packaging blank is open at the bottom in an unfolded state for application to a group of beverage containers and wherein the cover has cuts which each form receiving edges for receiving beverage containers, wherein the respective areas immediately adjacent to a cut on the left and right are arranged coplanarly to each other.

[0052] Because the areas around the cuts are designed to be coplanar to each other, the packaging blank differs from the blanks according to the prior art (see, e.g., US11440716 or WO2022112092), because in the prior art a can is already included in the cuts and thus the areas to the left and right around the respective cuts are at an angle to each other before the surrounding band is closed.

[0053] It is possible that two opposing inner sides of the tape may touch or at least be very close to each other when the packaging blank is folded.

[0054] 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.

[0055] Figures 1A and 1B show schematic views of an embodiment of a packaging blank as it can be applied to beverage container groups via an embodiment of an application tool according to the invention and as it can be provided in various embodiments of the method according to the invention.

[0056] Figures 2A to 2E show temporally successive steps as they may be provided individually or in the combination shown in various embodiments of the method according to the invention. Figures 3A and 3B as well as Figure 4 show further aspects as they may be provided in various embodiments of the invention.

[0057] Fig. 5 shows further aspects that may be provided for when applying a packaging blank to a beverage container group.

[0058] Figures 6A to 6D illustrate individual steps as they may be provided in various embodiments of the method according to the invention.

[0059] Identical reference numerals are used for identical or equivalently functioning elements of the invention. Furthermore, for the sake of clarity, only those reference numerals necessary for describing the respective figure are shown in the individual figures. The embodiments shown are merely examples of how the invention can be designed and do not constitute an exhaustive limitation.

[0060] Figures 1A and 1B show schematic views of an embodiment of a packaging blank 5, as it can be applied to beverage container groups 15 (see Fig. 2A) via an embodiment of an application tool 20 according to the invention, and as it can be provided in various embodiments of the method according to the invention.

[0061] The packaging blank 5 comprises a band 6, which is already closed when received via an application tool 20 described below. The band 6 includes four flaps 7, which are glued together in pairs to close the band 6. Two such flaps 7 can be seen in Figures 1A and 1B. The other two flaps 7 are located on the opposite side of the packaging blank 5 and are therefore not visible in Figures 1A and 1B.

[0062] The bonding takes place before the application tool 20 receives the packaging blank 5. Thus, the band 6 is already closed, or rather, the flaps 7 are already bonded together in pairs, when the packaging blank 5 is received by the application tool 20.

[0063] The band 6 is supported by a cover 8. The cover 8 forms two roof slopes 12 which connect to a common plateau 14. The roof slopes 12, or rather an inner side of the roof slopes 12, rest on beverage containers 25 of a beverage container group 15 (see Fig. 2E) when the packaging blank 5 has been applied to a respective beverage container group 15.

[0064] Fold lines can be seen at reference number 9. In the area of ​​fold lines 9, the cover 8 is folded over a sword 35, which will be described below, thereby positioning the cover 8, or rather the plateau 14 of the cover 8, between adjacent beverage containers 25 of a beverage container group 15. The two roof slopes 12 pivot downwards and come into surface contact with the beverage containers 25.

[0065] For each beverage container 25 of a respective beverage container group 15, the packaging blank 5 forms a corresponding opening or slot 55 in the area of ​​the lid 8. When the packaging blank 5 is placed on a respective beverage container group 15 and when the platform 14 is moved downwards over the blade 35, an edge region of the respective opening or slot 55 comes into a position where it is located below a crimped edge 16 (see Fig. 2B) or below a neck ring. In practice, it may be the case that for several beverage containers 25 or even for all beverage containers 25 of a respective beverage container group 15, a further opening or slot 55 is provided in the lid 8 of the packaging blank 5, the edge region of which is also arranged below a neck ring 16 when the blade 35 folds the lid 8.

[0066] Figure 1B shows again the plateau 14, which is initially oriented essentially horizontally when the packaging blank 5 has been arranged on a beverage container group 15 and when the blade 35 has not yet folded the lid 8. Figure 1B further shows that the flaps 7, which are joined together by an adhesive, overlap section by section. In addition, the lengths of the flaps 7 are identical, which simplifies the production of the packaging blank 5.

[0067] Figures 2A to 2E show successive steps as they can be provided individually or in the combination shown in various embodiments of the method according to the invention. In practice, a beverage container group 15 is moved by a horizontal conveyor (not shown) into a working area of ​​an industrial robot (also not shown), which includes an application tool 1. In Figure 2A, the application tool 1 has already received a packaging blank 5 from a magazine and now moves the packaging blank 5 towards the beverage container group 15, as indicated by the arrow. Figure 2A also shows that the band 6 of the packaging blank 5 is already closed when the application tool 1 moves the packaging blank 5 towards the beverage container group 15. An adhesive is applied to tabs 7 (see Figure 2A).1) This occurs before the application tool 1 receives the packaging blank 5. A separate production station can be provided for this purpose, which applies adhesive to the flaps 7. Alternatively, an intermediate storage area can be provided on which the packaging blank 5 is placed before the flaps 7 are joined together. The flaps 7 can also be glued together in the area of ​​such an intermediate storage area, thereby closing the band 6.

[0068] The beverage container group 15 comprises several beverage containers 25, which are designed as beverage cans. In further embodiments, the beverage containers 25 can also be beverage bottles.

[0069] As shown in Fig. 2B, the application tool 1 is aligned above the beverage container group 15 until the beverage container group 15 is completely aligned vertically with a clearance formed within the closed belt 6. The packaging blank 5 received by the application tool 1 is designed such that opposite longitudinal sides of the circulating belt 6 are spaced apart or wide enough to correspond at least to the width of the entire beverage container group 15. This allows the circulating belt 6 to be guided over the beverage container group 15 without unintentionally coming into contact with the top of any of the beverage containers 25.

[0070] The further procedure for applying the packaging blank 5 to the beverage container group 15 becomes clear from a combined view of Figures 2B and 2C. The packaging blank 5 is guided over the beverage container group 15 by the application tool 1, so that the band 6 rests against the lateral surfaces of the beverage containers 25. The application tool 1 comprises a frame structure 37 with two hanging support arms 39, which hold the packaging blank 5 during application to a beverage container group 15. Once the packaging blank 5 has been applied to the beverage container group 15, the beverage container group 15 is located between the support arms 39, as shown in Figure 2C. While the frame structure 37 remains in the position shown in Figure 2C, the blade 35 is moved downwards relative to the frame structure 37.This movement is effected by an actuator, which is not shown in the figures. During the movement, the blade 35 first comes into surface contact with the plateau 14 and moves the plateau 14 between adjacent beverage containers 25 of the beverage container group 15, whereby the roof slopes 12 pivot downwards and come into contact with the tops of the beverage containers 25. During the movement, the edge areas of the openings are also positioned completely below the crimped edges 16, so that the beverage containers 25 of the beverage container group 15 are connected to each other via the packaging blank 5. The still closed band 6 is guided around the beverage containers 25 of the beverage container group 15. The folded plateau 14 forms a V-shape between adjacent beverage containers 25 of the beverage container group 15. The packaging blank 5 or the roof slopes 12 (see Fig.1A) are also designed in such a way that they cover one upper side of the beverage containers 25 when the sword 35 has folded the cover 8.

[0071] Figure 2C shows an optional additional drive 56, which can be arranged on the application tool 1 or on a frame of the application tool 1 and which can move the blade relative to the application tool. The drive can be connected to the blade, for example, via a rack and pinion drive or a belt drive (not shown). The drive 56 can also be present additionally or alternatively in the other figures. The drive 56 can be an electric motor. Alternatively, it can also be a pneumatic cylinder.

[0072] To apply another packaging blank 5 to another beverage container group 15, the application tool 1 is pulled upwards away from the packaging blank 5 and the beverage container group 15, as illustrated in Fig. 2E. In the illustrated embodiment, the blade 35 remains in its relative position to the frame structure 37 and can be moved back to its initial position as shown in Fig. 2A at a later time.

[0073] Figures 3A and 3B, as well as Figure 4, show further aspects as they may be provided in various embodiments of the invention. As can be seen in Figure 3A, the packaging blank 5 is held on the application tool 1 by an undercut. Alternatively or additionally, the application tool 1 may also have a holding element that holds the packaging blank 5 on the application tool 1 by means of negative pressure.

[0074] Figure 3B shows a separating element 41, which can be designed as part of the application tool 1. The separating element 41 allows beverage containers 25 of the beverage container group 15 to be spaced apart from one another and thereby positioned in an orientation suitable for applying the packaging blank 5. Figure 4 shows the separating element 41 again. To increase the distance between adjacent beverage containers 25, the separating element 41 is moved downwards, thereby pushing neighboring beverage containers 25 apart. Figure 4 also shows that the separating element 41 forms a corresponding recess 43 for each pair of beverage containers 25.

[0075] Figure 5 shows further aspects of how a packaging blank can be applied to a beverage container group 15. Figure 5 shows the beverage containers 25, the packaging blank 5, and the application tool 1 in a bottom view. The frame structure of the application tool 1 is further illustrated in Figure 5 by reference numeral 37. As indicated by the arrows, it may be necessary to move individual elements forming the frame structure 37 apart, thereby releasing the frame structure 37 from contact with the packaging blank 5. After such a movement, the application tool 1 can be pulled upwards away from the packaging blank 5 and the beverage container group 15, as already mentioned in relation to Figure 2E. The movement of the individual elements of the frame structure 37 is effected by an actuator.

[0076] Figures 6A to 6D illustrate individual steps as they may be provided in various embodiments of the method according to the invention. In order to apply a packaging blank 5 to a respective group of beverage containers 15, it may be necessary to first bring the beverage containers 25 into a relative orientation to one another that is suitable for applying a packaging blank 5. In a formation such as that shown in Fig. 6A, the beverage containers 25 can be pushed apart by separating plates if this is useful or necessary for applying a packaging blank 5. The formation shown in Fig. 6B was created by separating beverage containers 25 from one another by a spreading wedge. In the formation according to Fig. 60, the beverage containers 25 were separated from one another in the transport direction by a spreading wedge, with a spacing in the transverse direction optionally being achieved.This can be achieved by means of separating plates. In the formation according to Fig. 6D, the beverage containers 25 were separated from each other in the transport direction by spreading wedges, with the spacing in the transverse direction being achieved by a single divider.

[0077] 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 alterations of the invention can be made without departing from the scope of protection of the following claims. (List of references)

[0078] 1 Application tool 5 Packaging cutout 6 Tape

[0079] 7 tab

[0080] 8 ceiling

[0081] 9 fold line

[0082] 12 Sloping roof

[0083] 14 Plateau

[0084] 15 beverage container groups, 16 crimped edges

[0085] 25 beverage containers

[0086] 35 Sword

[0087] 36 recess

[0088] 37 Frame construction 39 Support arm

[0089] 41 Separating element

[0090] 43 recess

[0091] 55 cut

[0092] 56 Drive

Claims

Claims 1. Application tool (1) for applying a packaging blank (5) to a beverage container group (15), the packaging blank (5) forming a cover (8) and a band (6) extending around the beverage container group (15) when applied, wherein the application tool (1) is designed to receive such a packaging blank (5) in which the band (6) is continuous and wherein the application tool (1) comprises a blade (35) equipped for folding and aligning the cover (8) between adjacent beverage containers (25) of the respective beverage container group (15).

2. Application tool (1) according to claim 1, wherein the sword (35) is movably mounted relative to a frame construction (37) of the application tool (1) and comprising a drive (56) for moving the sword (35) in a particularly linear manner.

3. Application tool (1) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein a separating element (41) of the application tool (1) forms several recesses (36) which correspond to beverage containers (25) and whose positions on the separating element (41) are aligned to a predetermined target orientation of beverage containers (25) of a beverage container group (15).

4. Application tool (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, which is designed to receive such a packaging blank (5) in which the band (6) of the packaging blank (5) not yet applied surrounds a free space in which there is no packaging material.

5. Use of an application tool according to one of claims 1 to 4 for applying a packaging blank (5) to a beverage container group (15), wherein the beverage containers (25) are beverage cans.

6. Packaging device for beverage containers (25), comprising at least one industrial robot with at least one application tool (1) for applying a packaging blank (5) to a beverage container group (15), the packaging blank (5) forming a cover (8) and a band (6) running around the beverage container group (15) in the applied state, wherein the application tool (1) is configured to receive such a packaging blank (5) in which the band (6) runs continuously, and wherein the application tool (1) comprises a blade (35) that is equipped for folding and aligning the cover (8) between adjacent beverage containers (25) of the respective beverage container group (15) and comprising - at least one horizontal conveying device for transporting beverage container groups (15), wherein the at least one industrial robot is designed via the at least one application tool (1) for receiving packaging blanks (5) in which the belt (6) runs closed, for bringing a received packaging blank (5) to a beverage container group (15) arranged on the at least one horizontal conveying device and for applying the packaging blank (5) to the respective beverage container group (15).

7. Packaging device according to claim 6, comprising a manufacturing station, wherein the at least one industrial robot is designed to receive packaging blanks (5) from the manufacturing station and wherein the manufacturing station comprises at least one negative mold for at least one packaging blank (5).

8. Packaging device according to claim 6 or claim 7, comprising a manufacturing station, wherein the at least one industrial robot is designed to receive packaging blanks (5) from the manufacturing station and wherein the manufacturing station comprises an adhesive application device for applying adhesive to at least one end area of ​​the strip (6) which has not yet been closed.

9. Packaging device according to one of claims 6 to 8, which a magazine for stacked and folded storage of packaging blanks (5), which comprises a cover (8) and a band (6) running around the beverage container group (15) when applied, and also includes 10. A winding station for unfolding folded packaging blanks that have been taken from the magazine.

11. Packaging device according to one of claims 6 to 9, in which the at least one industrial robot is designed by at least one delta kinematic robot.

11. Method for applying packaging blanks (5) to beverage container groups (15), in which packaging blanks (5) forming a cover (8) and a band (6) which in an applied state runs around the beverage container group (15) are received by an application tool (1) and placed on a respective beverage container group (15) via the application tool (1), whereupon a blade (35) of the application tool (1) folds the cover (8) of the respective packaging blank (5) so that the cover (5) is arranged thereon between adjacent beverage containers (25) of the respective beverage container group (15) and wherein the band (6) is closed before the folding.

12. Method according to claim 11, wherein the packaging blank (5) forms an opening for each beverage container (25) of the beverage container group (15), wherein an edge region of the respective opening is positioned below a neck ring or below a flanged edge (16) of the respective beverage container (25) by the sword (35) of the application tool (1) folding the lid (8) of the respective packaging blank (5).

13. Method according to claim 11 or claim 12, wherein a manufacturing station is provided which applies an adhesive to end areas of the tape (6) which has not yet been closed, subsequently closes the tape (6) and receives the packaging blank (5) in a negative mold, wherein the adhesive at least partially hardens.

14. Method according to one of claims 11 to 13, wherein four end regions of the hitherto unclosed band (6) are formed over four tabs (7), wherein the four tabs (7) have a substantially identical length along their longitudinal axis.

15. Pre-assembled packaging blank (5) which forms a cover (8) and a closed band (6) running under the cover which extends away from the cover (8) in an unfolded state, wherein the packaging blank (5) is open at the bottom in an unfolded state for application to a beverage container group (15) and wherein the cover (8) has cuts (55) which each form receiving edges for receiving beverage containers (25), wherein the respective left and right areas immediately adjacent to a cut are arranged coplanarly to each other.

16. Pre-assembled packaging blank (5) according to the previous claim, wherein two opposing inner sides of the closed continuous strip (6) touch or are at least very close to each other in a folded state of the packaging blank (5).

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