DE102019123832A1 - Method and packaging device for the production of packaging units - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and a packaging device (1) for producing packaging units (35). The correspondingly produced packaging units (35) comprising at least two articles (30) (30), the at least two articles (30) being combined by a first secondary packaging means (20) and by at least one second secondary packaging means (40). First, a first secondary packaging means (20) is applied and fixed to the at least two articles (30) and then at least a second secondary packaging means (40) is applied to the at least two articles (30). It is also provided that the first secondary packaging means (20) attached to the at least two articles (30) prior to the application of the second secondary packaging means (40) and / or in a temporal context with the application of the second secondary packaging means (40) and / or in a temporal context is reshaped with the fixing of the second secondary packaging means (40)

Description

The present invention relates to a method and a packaging device for producing packaging units according to the features of the independent claims.

State of the art

There are different types of packaging for the processing, compilation, grouping and packaging of articles such as, for example, beverage containers, for example the combination of the articles or containers into portable, relatively manageable container units or packaging units. Here, too, there are various known ways of combining individual articles into larger containers. For example, beverage containers are usually combined and packaged using shrink films to form packs of four, six or more containers. The production of containers is usually unavoidable, as they represent the most common variant of sales units for beverage containers or bottles made of PET plastic. The containers are partly combined again for transport and / or put together in layers and palletized.

In the production of known types of packaging, specific production steps are necessary in order to be able to process the shrink films that are usually used. These manufacturing steps require a relatively high amount of energy. In addition, the film used causes costs for production, provision, handling and later disposal, since it is no longer needed after it has been sold. The machine equipment for providing the so-called film wrapping modules and other handling stations also causes high investment costs. Finally, the provision of the so-called shrink tunnel, in which the film wrapped around the container is shrunk around the container by means of the application of hot air, requires a relatively high investment of capital.

One variant in which the use of shrink film can be dispensed with are so-called strapping containers. Here, the containers are combined into a bundle by means of so-called strapping bands and connected to one another. Containers, articles or bottles are grouped into formations in continuously or intermittently working strapping machines and then strapped with one or more straps with the help of strapping units. Typical formations can be, for example, 1x2 arrangements (two containers in a row), 2x2 arrangements (four containers in a square or in a diamond formation), 3x2, 4x3 or in principle also variable n x m arrangements.

The use of so-called top cardboard packaging is also known, for example, in order to combine several bottles via their neck areas. A packaging machine for placing such top cardboard packaging is in the patent EP 1075419 B1 described. Here, the articles are arranged in a box and the cardboard packaging is placed from above onto the at least one article arranged in the box. In particular, a plurality of articles are arranged in the box, and sub-groups are formed by placing a smaller number of upper gripping cardboard packaging on top, each of which summarizes a part of the articles arranged in the box.

Furthermore, packaging units are known that combine different types of secondary packaging means and combine the majority of the articles with a first packaging means and a second packaging means, in particular with a first secondary packaging means in the form of an upper cardboard box and with a second secondary packaging means in the form of strapping and / or in the form at least one adhesive connection.

The patent specification DE 22 06 071 C2 discloses a container packaging with a carrier device for holding together and transporting the containers made of a resiliently deformable plastic material. The carrier device has the openings receiving the container and finger tabs for tearing open the carrier device.

The disclosure document DE 25 31 325 A1 describes a container packaging with a support means made of plastic film. An upper support member comprises first end portions of each container and a second sheet metal or foil support portion comprises interconnected parts and holds each group of containers.

The disclosure document DE 10 2006 028 661 A1 shows a packaging unit with bottles and a bottle carrier which can be safely stacked even with a large number of packaging units. The bottles are grouped together by a support body with a support bracket and at least one banderole.

The utility model DE 20 2012 103 324 U1 discloses a container template for joining packaging units, in particular beverage bottles, to form containers. The container template has recesses for receiving a part of a packaging unit and centrally arranged incisions for forming a handle, the incisions being symmetrically surrounded by the recesses

From the DE 1 457 489 A a container with several bottles is also known, which are held together in the form of a package by means of endless belts. A handle enables the package to be carried. Another container arrangement is in the US 57 75 486 A disclosed. Rows of three or six bottles or cans are each fixed with cardboard attachments on the top and combined to form larger containers using straps.

description

The object of the invention is to provide a method and a packaging device with which packaging units can be produced in an advantageous manner, in which a plurality of articles are combined with a first secondary packaging means and a second secondary packaging means.

The above object is achieved by a method and a packaging device for producing packaging units, which include the features in the independent claims. Further advantageous refinements are described by the subclaims.

The packaging units to be produced by means of the packaging device and the method, comprising at least two articles, which are combined by a first secondary packaging means and by at least one second secondary packaging means. In particular, the first secondary packaging means is a packaging blank which is applied from above to an assembly of at least two articles and is in particular assigned to a neck area of the articles. The articles are preferably beverage containers, in particular bottles made of PET or another suitable plastic or cans made of plastic and / or aluminum or the like. However, the packaging device is also suitable for arranging and fixing a corresponding packaging blank to other suitable articles .

According to the method, it is provided that first the first secondary packaging means is applied and fixed to an assembly comprising at least two articles and then at least one second secondary packaging means is applied to the articles. Before the application of the second secondary packaging means or in the temporal connection with the application of the second secondary packaging means and / or in the temporal connection with the fixing of the second secondary packaging means, the first secondary packaging means attached to the at least two articles is reshaped.

It is preferably provided that during the application and fixing of the first secondary packaging means and / or following the application and fixing of the first secondary packaging means, a first distance is formed between adjacent articles of the combination. In contrast to this, after the application of the at least one second secondary packaging means, no distance or a smaller second distance is formed between adjacent articles of the combination. In particular, the adjacent articles in the completed sales unit are arranged so as to be in contact with one another, while during the assembly before the application of the first secondary packaging means there are at least partial gaps between directly adjacent articles.

According to one embodiment it is provided that at least one existing distance between the at least two articles is reduced after the application of the first secondary packaging means and before the application of the second secondary packaging means. Alternatively, the interval can also be reduced in the temporal connection with the application of the second secondary packaging means.

The first secondary packaging means is formed in particular by a packaging blank that is placed on the compilation of articles or article groups and is at least partly pressed onto the articles of the article group by an at least partially downward force, in particular downward pressure, and is thereby fixed to them .

Such a packaging blank is, for example, essentially flat and has passage openings which are designed in such a way that they are slipped onto the article from above, so that after the packaging blank has been attached to the group of articles, the articles are located above and below the packaging blank in some areas . After the packaging blank has been determined, a defined upper area of the article is preferably located above the packaging blank, while a defined lower area of the article is arranged below the packaging blank.

In particular, the through openings of the packaging blank have fixing devices. For example, fixing tabs are formed by incisions or the like extending radially from the openings. After the packaging blank has been arranged and fastened to the articles, it is in engagement with the articles in such a way that the packaging blank is essentially fixed in place on the articles. Consequently the packaging blank can only be removed again from the articles of the article group with increased effort with an upward force component, the packaging blank usually being at least partially destroyed. Such packaging blanks are also referred to as top cardboard packaging. The packaging blank preferably consists of a cardboard material, a plastic material, a cardboard-plastic composite material, a fiber-like material which has cardboard-like properties, or the like. A combination of different materials is also conceivable.

The packaging blank is provided in a first flat storage state and attached to the articles of the article combination or article group. By reducing the distances between the articles, the packaging blank is reshaped or converted into a three-dimensional sales state. The state of sale differs from the state of storage in that the flat state of storage covers a first cross-sectional area that is larger than a second cross-sectional area that is covered by the packaging blank in the state of sale.

A packaging device which is suitable for carrying out the above-described method comprises, in a production direction arranged one after the other, a feed device for the articles or combinations of at least two articles, a first packaging module for applying the first secondary packaging means provided in the form of a flat packaging blank to the at least two articles and a second packaging module for applying the second secondary packaging means to the at least two articles combined with a first secondary packaging means.

In one embodiment, in which the at least one distance between the at least two articles is reduced before the application of the second secondary packaging means, a spacing module for reducing the distance between the articles is arranged between the first packaging module and the second packaging module. For example, the spacing module comprises a shuttle system with at least two linear transport units. In each case one article of the articles combined with the packaging blank is arranged on a linear transport unit. The at least two linear transport units can preferably be controlled individually. At least one of the linear transport units is moved in the direction of the other linear transport unit, so that the articles of the article assembly are moved towards one another. As a result of this infeed movement, the packaging blank fixed on the articles, which preferably has creases, is creased on it and partial areas of the packaging blank are moved out of the surface, in particular bent out and / or arched out. In particular, the packaging blank is thereby transferred from a flat storage state to a three-dimensional sales state.

According to one embodiment, it is provided that when the packaging blank is reshaped from the storage state to the sales state, a handle is formed which makes it possible to simply hold and / or carry the at least two articles combined with the packaging blank and subsequently with a second secondary packaging means to form packaging units. For example, the packaging blank has corresponding incisions which, in connection with appropriately positioned creases, cause the carrying handle to be formed when the packaging blank is folded out. In particular, when the packaging blank is reshaped, at least partial areas of the same are bent or curved upwards or downwards, as a result of which the three-dimensional shape and / or the handle is created. When the handle is pulled, for example when the packaging unit is lifted over the handle, the packaging blank in the sales state is bent or arched even more, bringing the articles even closer together, which further increases the stability of the packaging unit.

Alternatively or additionally, an external handle can be attached to the packaging unit by, for example, attaching a strip-shaped handle to the articles and / or to the packaging blank and / or to the second secondary packaging means via two end regions.

According to one embodiment, the second packaging module is a strapping module in which the at least two articles combined with a packaging blank are additionally combined by at least one band or strip-shaped strapping or at least one banderole. In particular, it can be provided here that the articles are pressed against one another when the band tension is applied to the strapping or band. That is, the reshaping of the packaging blank from the storage condition to the sales condition is preferably carried out in direct temporal connection with the attachment of the strapping or banderole Foil section are wrapped, which is subsequently to the Article is shrunk on. In this case, the articles are pressed against one another before or when they are wrapped in the shrink film and the packaging blank is converted into the sales state. Furthermore, devices are provided which fix the article with the packaging blank in the corresponding arrangement in the sales state until the shrink film is firmly shrunk on and the formation of the sales state of the packaging blank is thus securely fixed.

According to an alternative embodiment, the second packaging module is an adhesive module in which the at least two articles combined with a packaging blank are connected to one another via at least one adhesive. For example, the adhesive is applied to mutually facing outer jacket surfaces of the articles that are still spaced apart. The articles are then pressed against one another, as a result of which the corresponding adhesive connections are formed between the articles and at the same time the packaging blank is transferred from the storage state to the sales state.

According to a further embodiment, the second packaging module is an insert module in which the at least two articles combined with a packaging blank are inserted into at least one outer packaging in the form of a tray. The tray is designed in particular in such a way that the articles with the packaging blank can only be used after the distance between the articles has been reduced and the packaging blank has been brought into the sale state. Such a tray has, in particular, a bottom surface and upwardly projecting side boundaries. The tray can preferably consist of a cardboard material, a plastic material, a composite material or the like. Furthermore, it can be provided that, in addition to the packaging blank and the tray, the articles are also fixed to one another and / or combined with strapping and / or a shrink film and / or adhesive connections.

It should be expressly mentioned at this point that all aspects and design variants that have been explained in connection with the device according to the invention relate to or can be partial aspects of the method according to the invention in the same way. If, therefore, at one point in the description or in the definition of claims for the device according to the invention, certain aspects and / or interrelationships and / or effects are mentioned, this applies equally to the method according to the invention. Conversely, the same applies, so that all aspects and design variants that have been explained in connection with the method according to the invention relate to or can be partial aspects of the device according to the invention in the same way. If, therefore, at one point in the description or in the definition of claims for the method according to the invention, certain aspects and / or interrelationships and / or effects are mentioned, this applies equally to the device according to the invention.

Figure list

• 1 zeigt ein erstes Sekundärverpackungsmittel in einem Lagerzustand in einer Ansicht von oben.
• 2 zeigt ein erstes Sekundärverpackungsmittel in einem Verkaufszustand in einer Ansicht von oben.
• 3 bis 6 zeigen unterschiedliche Ausführungsformen eines ersten Sekundärverpackungsmittels jeweils in einem Verkaufszustand in einer seitlichen Darstellung.
• 7 zeigt eine Verpackungseinheit in seitlicher Darstellung.
• 8A zeigt eine erste Ausführungsform einer Verpackungsvorrichtung zur Herstellung von Verpackungseinheiten nach einem erfindungsgemäßen Verfahren.
• 8B zeigt eine zweite Ausführungsform einer Verpackungsvorrichtung zur Herstellung von Verpackungseinheiten nach einem erfindungsgemäßen Verfahren.
• 9A bis 9D zeigen die Verfahrensschritte einer ersten Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens.
• 10A bis 10D zeigen unterschiedliche mit dem Verfahren gemäß 9 hergestellte Verpackungseinheiten
• 11A bis 11D zeigen die Verfahrensschritte einer zweiten Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens.
• 12A und 12B zeigen Verfahrensschritte einer dritten Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens.
• 13A und 13B zeigen die Verfahrensschritte einer dritten Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens.
• 14 zeigt eine erste Ausführungsform einer Verpackungseinheit mit Halte- oder Trageelement.
• 15 zeigt eine zweite Ausführungsform einer Verpackungseinheit mit Halte- oder Trageelement.

In the following, exemplary embodiments are intended to explain the invention and its advantages in more detail with reference to the accompanying figures. The proportions of the individual elements to one another in the figures do not always correspond to the real proportions, since some forms are simplified and other forms are shown enlarged in relation to other elements for better illustration.

• 1 shows a first secondary packaging means in a storage state in a view from above.
• 2 shows a first secondary packaging means in a sales state in a view from above.
• 3 to 6th show different embodiments of a first secondary packaging means, each in a sales state, in a side view.
• 7th shows a packaging unit in a side view.
• 8A shows a first embodiment of a packaging device for producing packaging units according to a method according to the invention.
• 8B shows a second embodiment of a packaging device for producing packaging units according to a method according to the invention.
• 9A to 9D show the method steps of a first embodiment of a method according to the invention.
• 10A to 10D show different with the method according to 9 manufactured packaging units
• 11A to 11D show the method steps of a second embodiment of a method according to the invention.
• 12A and 12B show method steps of a third embodiment of a method according to the invention.
• 13A and 13B show the method steps of a third embodiment of a method according to the invention.
• 14th shows a first embodiment of a packaging unit with a holding or carrying element.
• 15th shows a second embodiment of a packaging unit with a holding or carrying element.

Identical reference symbols are used for identical or identically acting elements of the invention. Furthermore, for the sake of clarity, only reference symbols are shown in the individual figures which are necessary for the description of the respective figure. The illustrated embodiments merely represent examples of how the device according to the invention or the method according to the invention can be designed and do not represent a final limitation.

The 1 shows a first secondary packaging means 20th in a storage condition LZ in a view from above and 2 shows the first secondary packaging means 20th in a state of sale VZ in a view from above. The 7th shows a packaging unit 35 in side view.

With the first secondary packaging means 20th it is a packaging cut 21 , preferably around a cardboard blank that is essentially flat in the storage state LZ 22nd . The packaging cut 21 consists preferably of a cardboard material, a plastic material, a composite material or the like 21 has a number of passage openings 23 on. The number of openings 23 corresponds to the number of articles 30th that with the first secondary packaging means 20th are summarized and the arrangement of the passage openings 23 corresponds to the arrangement of the articles 30th within the respective article group. Between adjacent openings 23 of the packaging cut 21 in the storage condition LZ there is a first mean distance mA1 educated.

In particular, the passage openings 23 designed such that the packaging blank 21 from the top of the article 30th can be applied, in particular pressed on. One packaging unit 35 from two articles 30th , a first secondary packaging means 20th in the form of a packaging blank 21 when sold VZ and a second secondary packaging means 40 in the form of a strip-shaped strapping 41 is particularly in 7th shown.

It is preferably the articles 30th around beverage containers in the form of bottles 31 or cans. These have a widened area in the upper area, where the packaging blank 21 is determined. Is it with the articles 30th for example around beverage containers, especially around bottles 31 made of PET or another suitable plastic material with a screw cap 32 so indicates the bottle 31 a widening below the screw cap 32 in the form of the so-called neck ring 33 on (compare 7th ).

In particular, it is provided that the packaging blank 21 after being applied to the collection of bottles 31 below the so-called neck ring 33 the closure area of the bottles 31 is fixed. This means that after the packaging blank has been applied 21 on the bottles 31 part of the bottles 31 above the packaging blank 21 while the remaining area of the bottles 31 below the packaging blank 21 extends. In particular, it is provided that the packaging blank 21 in this position through the bottles 31 is fixed and vice versa.

The passage openings 23 are preferably by means of suitable tabs in such a way with the underside of the respective neck ring 33 engaged that the packaging blank 21 firmly on the bottles 31 is fixed and cannot slip upwards. The tabs can in particular be formed by the packaging blank 21 from the passage openings 23 having outgoing radial incisions. It can also be provided that the bottles 31 furthermore with a second secondary packaging means within the compilation 40 are summarized.

For example, the bottles 31 with a strip-shaped strapping 41 , a band or by means of suitable adhesive connections (not shown) between the bottles 31 be fixed to each other. This has the particular advantage that the bottles 31 Can not move against each other within the composition and are therefore fixed in their position relative to each other. The one with a first secondary packaging means 20th in the state of sale VZ and additionally with a second secondary packaging means 40 summarized article 30th are hereinafter also referred to as a packaging unit 35 or container 36 designated.

During the packaging cut 21 is essentially flat in the storage state LZ, the packaging blank 21 in the sales state VZ an at least regionally three-dimensional shape. For example, the packaging blank 21 prepared folds 24 on, so that through the packaging blank 21 can be easily converted from the flat storage state LZ into the three-dimensional sales state VZ by pushing together laterally. By pushing them together of the packaging cut 21 One side length of the packaging blank is shortened 21 In particular, this has a first length L1 in the storage condition LZ and a second length L2 in the sale condition VZ, the second length L2 being less than the first length L1, that is, L1> L2. Between adjacent openings 23 of the packaging cut 21 in the state of sale VZ is a second mean distance mA2 educated. This results in the packaging blank 21 in the storage state LZ covers a first cross-sectional area F1, which is larger than a second cross-sectional area F2, which is caused by the packaging blank 21 is covered in the sales condition VZ, that is, F1> F2 applies.

Furthermore, the packaging blank 21 at least in the sales state VZ a holding or carrying element 25th have so that with the packaging blank 21 summarized article 30th easy to hold and carry. According to a preferred embodiment it is provided that the holding or carrying element 25th when transferring the packaging blank 21 trains from the storage condition LZ to the sales condition VZ. For example, there are corresponding cuts 26th on the packaging cut 21 provided in connection with appropriately positioned creases 24 the formation of the holding or carrying element 25th when forming the packaging blank 21 by folding it out.

The 3 to 6th show different embodiments of a first secondary packaging means 20th each in a state of sale VZ in a lateral representation. At least partial areas are bent or arched upwards or downwards when transferring to the sales state VZ, whereby the three-dimensional shape is created. In 6th is in particular a first secondary packaging means 20th , shown in which in the sales state VZ a holding or carrying element 25th is trained.

The 8A shows a schematic representation of a first embodiment of a packaging device 1 for the production of packaging units (compare 7th ) according to a method according to the invention. The articles and the secondary packaging are not shown here; instead, only the arrangement of the device components is shown. The articles are in a dividing module 2 Compiled in the desired number and arrangement, with the arrangement and spacing of the articles corresponding to a first secondary packaging means to be applied subsequently in the storage state (cf. for example 1 ) he follows.

The article compilations are delivered via a feed device, in particular a first transport device 3 in the form of an endless conveyor belt, a mat chain conveyor, an aisle inlet or the like, a first packaging module 4th fed. In the first packaging module, the first secondary packaging in the form of a flat packaging blank is applied to the assembly of the articles in the storage state (cf. 1 ).

Subsequently, the articles loaded with the packaging blank in the storage state are used as a strapping module 6th trained second packaging module 5 additionally combined with at least one strapping, the articles being moved relative to one another and, in particular, being moved together during the strapping process. This changes the packaging blank from the storage condition to the sales condition (compare 2 to 7th ) and determined in this arrangement, since the strapping defines the relative arrangement of the articles and thus also the condition of the packaging blank.

The 8B shows a second embodiment of a packaging device 1 for the production of packaging units (compare 7th ) according to a method according to the invention. The articles and the secondary packaging are not shown here; instead, only the arrangement of the device components is shown.

The articles are in a dividing module 2 compiled and in the first packaging module a flat packaging blank is applied to the compilation of the articles in the storage state (cf. 1 ). In a subsequent spacing module 7th the articles combined with the packaging blank are brought closer to one another via suitable devices, the packaging blank transitioning from the flat storage state to the three-dimensional sales state.

For example, a shuttle system is used here, as described below in connection with the 13th is described. Then in a second packaging module 5 a second secondary packaging means is applied to the articles to which the packaging blank is applied in the sales state, and the arrangement of the articles and the state of the packaging blank are defined in a defined manner.

With the second packaging module 5 it is, for example, a strapping module in which at least one strapping is additionally attached to the articles; a shrink module, in which a shrink film is shrunk around the articles combined with a packaging blank in the sales state, an insertion module in which the articles combined with a packaging blank in the sales state are inserted into a tray or an adhesive module in which adhesive connections are formed between the articles.

The 9A to 9D show the method steps of a first embodiment of a method according to the invention for producing packaging units 35 or containers 36 . Six bottles 31 are in two parallel rows of three bottles each 31 compiled in a suitable arrangement. Between the adjacent bottles 31 is a first distance A1 formed, creating a first mean distance mA1 between the longitudinal axes L of the adjacent bottles 31 consists of the first middle distance mA1 between the passage openings 23 each as the first secondary packaging means 20th used packaging blank 21 corresponds to LZ in the storage condition (compare 1 ).

In a first process step VI is based on the compilation of bottles 31 becomes a first secondary packaging means 20th on the bottles 31 applied and set. A suitable packaging blank is preferred 21 in the storage condition LZ pressed from above in the manner described above and below the neck ring 33 of the bottles fixed ( 9B) .

Then in a second process step V-II the bottles 31 moved together so that between the bottles 31 there is no longer a gap and the outer surfaces of adjacent bottles 31 contact each other in areas. Alternatively, there is a second, smaller distance between the bottles 31 educated. This is where the packaging cut 21 transferred from the storage condition LZ to the sale condition VZ ( 9C ).

In particular, the packaging cut 21 transferred from the two-dimensional, two-dimensional storage condition LZ to the three-dimensional sales condition VZ. Between adjacent openings 23 of the packaging cut 21 and between the longitudinal axes L of adjacent bottles 31 becomes a second middle distance mA2 formed, which is less than the first mean distance A1 between adjacent passage openings 23 of the packaging cut 21 in storage condition LZ. In a third process step V-III becomes a second secondary packaging means 40 , especially a strip-shaped strapping 41 , on the bottles 31 applied and set ( 9D ).

One embodiment of the method can provide that the second method step V-II and the third step V-II essentially coincide in time. In particular, the bottles 31 when applying the strapping 41 moved together by applying the necessary tension, so that the packaging blank 21 in temporal connection with the application of the strapping 41 is transformed from the storage condition LZ to the sales condition VZ.

The 10A to 10D show different with the method according to 8th manufactured packaging units 35 , in particular is the at least one strapping 41 according to 10B in an upper area of the bottles 31 or according to 10D in a lower area of the bottles 31 appropriate. According to a particularly preferred in 10C The embodiment shown is the strapping 41 in the area of the recessed grip 34 (compare 10A) of the bottles 31 is. The fastening of the strapping 41 in the area of the recessed grip 34 causes the bottles to hold together particularly securely 31 in the sales unit 35 because the strapping will slip axially 41 up or down through the recessed grip 34 prevented or at least limited.

The 11A to 11D show the method steps of a second embodiment of a method according to the invention. for the production of packaging units 35 or containers 36 . Again, there are six bottles 31 in two parallel rows of three bottles each 31 compiled in a suitable arrangement ( 11A) and in a first process step VI becomes a packaging blank 21 in the storage condition LZ on the bottles 31 upset ( 11B) .

In a second process step V-II is now at least on some of the bottles 31 an adhesive in the area of mutually facing outer circumferential surfaces 42 as a second secondary packaging means 40 applied. For example, by means of suitable adhesive application devices in the form of glue guns or similar glue dots 43 on the outer surface of the bottles 31 upset.

In a third process step V-III become the bottles 31 pushed together to the first middle distance mA1 to a second middle distance mA2 reduce, in particular, the bottles 31 pushed together so that adjacent bottles 31 contact at least in some areas in the area of their mutually facing outer circumferential surfaces. In this case, the previously applied adhesive dots are used at the respective points 43 Adhesive connections 44 between adjacent bottles 31 produced. In addition, the packaging cut 21 from the storage condition LZ transferred to the state of sale VZ. As the relative arrangement of the bottles 31 in the sales unit produced in this way 35 is specified, it is also ensured that the packaging cut 21 remains in the sales condition VZ, since a return to the storage condition LZ due to the fixed arrangement of the bottles 31 is absolutely prevented.

The 12A and 12B show method steps of a third embodiment of a method according to the invention. Here is the composition of the bottles 31 with the applied packaging blank 21 on a second secondary packaging means 40 in the form of a tray 45 arranged. As a tray 45 is an open packaging means that contains several items 30th , especially bottles 31 are located. Trays 45 can consist of different materials such as cardboard, plastic, a composite material, etc. and can have a different number of articles 30th record, tape. Trays are preferred 45 for articles 30th used in the form of beverage cans that can hold up to 24 cans. However, there are also trays 45 for four, six or 12 cans.

To the bottles 31 on the tray 45 to arrange, these must be pushed together, with the packaging blank 21 is transferred to the sales condition VZ and in this condition in the finished container 36 is securely set.

The 13A and 13B show the method steps of a third embodiment of a method according to the invention. In particular, it shows how the bottles are pushed together 31 can be done. A shuttle system with a plurality of transport units, for example, can be used for this purpose 50 be provided, the transport units 50 for example as individually controllable linear drive units or linear transport units 51 trained and on a rail system 52 are arranged. One of each with a packaging blank 21 Bottles combined in the storage condition LZ 31 is on one transport unit each 50 arranged here at a first average distance mA1 on the rail system 52 are arranged.

The transport units 50 on each of which the outer bottles 31 the compilation can be arranged, lateral guide or holding elements 53 , for example guide railings 54 , which have the compilation of the bottles 31 stabilize and a lateral falling out of the bottles 31 prevent. By an infeed movement of the transport units 50 on which the bottles 31 one with a packaging blank 21 combined compilation are arranged, the first middle distance mA1 between the transport units 50 or between the longitudinal axes L of the bottles 31 on the second middle distance mA2 reduced and the packaging cut 21 reshaped and transferred to the sales condition VZ.

The composition of the bottles 31 with the packaging blank attached 21 in the sales state VZ can now be sent for further processing, in particular a second packaging module for applying a second secondary packaging means 40 , for example a strapping 41 according to 7th , 8th and 10 or an adhesive connection according to 11 or arrangement on a tray according to 12th or applying a shrink wrap (not shown). In all cases it must be ensured that the relative arrangement of the bottles 31 in

The 14th shows a first embodiment of a packaging unit 35 with a holding or carrying element 25th as part of the first secondary packaging means 20th is trained. In particular, it is provided that the holding or carrying element 25th in the storage condition LZ of the first secondary packaging means 20th is formed and in particular in a plane with the passage openings 23 is arranged. When forming the first secondary packaging material 20th and transferring to the sales state VZ is the holding or carrying element 25th from the plane of the passage openings 23 pushed out and forms a handle that is easy to grasp for the consumer, which in particular goes up over the bottles 31 the sales unit 35 can protrude.

The 15th shows a second embodiment of a packaging unit 35 with holding or carrying element 27 , which in particular is also attached to the sales unit 35 is attached. In particular, it is provided that, after the sales unit has been formed, it consists of bottles 31 , the first secondary packaging material 20th in the sales state VZ and at least one second secondary packaging means 40 at least one holding or carrying element 27 on the sales unit 35 is attached. For example, this is a strip-shaped holding or carrying element 2 that on the top of the packaging blank in the state of sale VZ 21 is glued on.

Alternatively, the holding or carrying element 27 on opposite outer sides of the container 36 with the respective articles 30th and / or the respective second secondary packaging 40 is glued. The application of the holding or carrying element 27 takes place, for example, with a handle applicator arranged below. Both the holding or carrying element 25th according to 14th as well as the holding or carrying element 27 according to 15th are trained to act as packaging units 35 summarized article 30th to be lifted and carried together.

The embodiments, examples and variants of the preceding paragraphs, the claims or the following description and the figures, including their different views or respective individual features, can be used independently of one another or in any combination. Features that are described in connection with an embodiment are applicable to all embodiments, provided that the features are not incompatible.

Even if “schematic” representations and views are generally spoken of in connection with the figures, this in no way means that the representations of the figures and their description should be of subordinate importance with regard to the disclosure of the invention. The person skilled in the art is quite able to derive enough information from the schematically and abstractly drawn representations that facilitate his understanding of the invention without having to rely on the drawn and possibly not exactly to scale proportions of the articles and / or parts of the device or other drawn elements would be impaired in its understanding in any way. The figures enable the person skilled in the art as a reader to derive a better understanding of the inventive ideas formulated in the claims and in the general part of the description of general and / or more abstractly formulated ideas on the basis of the more specifically explained implementations of the method according to the invention and the more specifically explained functionality of the device according to the invention.

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

List of reference symbols

1

Packaging device

2

Divider module

3

first transport device

4th

first packaging module

5

second packaging module

6th

Strapping module

7th

Spacing module

20th

first secondary packaging material

21

Packaging cut

22nd

Cardboard cutting

23

Passage openings

24

Creases

25th

Holding or carrying element

27

Holding or carrying element

26th

incision

30th

items

31

bottle

32

Screw cap

33

Neck ring

34

Recessed grip

35

Packaging Unit

36

Container

37

Pre-container

40

second secondary packaging means

41

strip-shaped strapping

42

Adhesive

43

Glue point

44

Adhesive connection

45

Tray

50

Transport unit

51

Linear drive unit / linear transport unit

52

Rail system

53

Guide or holding element

54

Guide railing

A1

first distance

mA1

first mean distance

mA2

second middle distance

V-I

first procedural step

V-II

second procedural step

V-III

third process step

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Patent literature cited

• EP 1075419 B1 [0005]
• DE 2206071 C2 [0007]
• DE 2531325 A1 [0008]
• DE 102006028661 A1 [0009]
• DE 202012103324 U1 [0010]
• DE 1457489 A [0011]
• US 5775486 A [0011]

Claims (15)

Process for the production of packaging units (35), the packaging units (35) comprising at least two articles (30), the at least two articles (30) being combined by a first secondary packaging means (20) and by at least one second secondary packaging means (40), the method comprising the following steps: • applying and fixing the first secondary packaging means (20) to the at least two articles (30); • applying the second secondary packaging means (40) to the at least two articles (30); in which • the first secondary packaging means (20) fixed on the at least two articles (30) before the application of the second secondary packaging means (40) and / or in the temporal connection with the application of the second secondary packaging means (40) and / or in the temporal connection with the fixing of the second secondary packaging means (40) is reshaped. Procedure according to Claim 1 wherein a first distance (A1) is formed between the at least two articles (30) during the application and setting of the first secondary packaging means (20) and / or subsequent to the application and setting of the first secondary packaging means (20) and wherein between the at least two Articles (30) after application of the second secondary packaging means (40) no distance or a second distance is formed, the second distance being smaller than the first distance (A1). Procedure according to Claim 2 wherein the distance between the at least two articles (30) after the application of the first secondary packaging means (20) and before the application of the second secondary packaging means (40) is reduced or the distance between the at least two articles (30) after the application of the first Secondary packaging means (20) and / or when applying the second secondary packaging means (40) is reduced. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first secondary packaging means (20) is provided as a flat packaging blank (21) and is applied to the at least two articles (30) in a flat storage state (LZ), the first secondary packaging means (20) being applied before the Applying the second secondary packaging means (40) is transferred to a three-dimensional sales state (VZ) or wherein the first secondary packaging means (20) is transferred to a three-dimensional sales state (VZ) when the second secondary packaging means (40) is applied. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein before the application of the second secondary packaging means (40) or when the second secondary packaging means (40) is applied, a handle (25) is formed on the first secondary packaging means (20), in particular wherein when the first secondary packaging means (20) is reshaped in the sale state (VZ) a handle is formed on the first secondary packaging means (20). Method according to one of the Claims 1 to 4th , wherein in the temporal connection with the application of the second secondary packaging means (40) or after the application of the second secondary packaging means (40) a handle (27) on the first secondary packaging means (20) and / or on the second secondary packaging means (40) and / or on at least one the article (30) is attached. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least two articles (30) are combined by a second secondary packaging means (40) in the form of at least one strapping (41) or at least one band. Method according to one of the Claims 1 to 6th wherein the at least two articles (30) are combined by a second secondary packaging means (40) in the form of shrink packaging. Method according to one of the Claims 1 to 6th , wherein the at least two articles (30) are combined by being inserted into a tray (45). Method according to one of the Claims 1 to 6th wherein the at least two articles (30) are connected to one another by applying at least one adhesive (42). Method according to one of the Claims 1 to 10 , whereby containers are used as the article (30), in particular beverage containers (31) made of PET. Packaging device (1) for producing packaging units (35) by a method according to one of the Claims 1 to 11 , the packaging units (35) comprising at least two articles (30), which are combined by a first secondary packaging means (20) and by at least one second secondary packaging means (40), the packaging device (1) arranged one after the other in a production direction ) for the articles (30) or combinations of at least two articles (30); • a first packaging module (4) for applying the in the form of a flat packaging blank (21) provided first secondary packaging means (20) on the at least two articles (30); • a second packaging module (5) for applying the second secondary packaging means (40) to the at least two articles (30) combined with a first secondary packaging means. Packaging device according to Claim 12 wherein a spacing module (7) for reducing a distance between the at least two articles (30) combined with the first secondary packaging means (20) is arranged between the first packaging module (4) and the second packaging module (5). Packaging device according to Claim 13 wherein the spacing module (7) comprises a shuttle system which comprises at least two linear transport units (51), in particular wherein the at least two linear transport units (51) are individually controllable. Packaging device according to one of the Claims 12 to 14th , wherein the second packaging module is a strapping module (6), a shrink module, an insertion module or an adhesive module.

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