DE102020109565A1 - Packaging device and method for packaging articles - Google Patents

Abstract

A packaging device (1) is disclosed for producing bundles each having a plurality of articles. The packaging device (1) comprises at least one horizontal conveyor device and at least one manipulator (25, 35). Item groups are moved via the at least one horizontal conveyor device into a work area (AP1, AP2) of the at least one manipulator (25, 35). The at least one manipulator (25, 35) is designed to combine the respective articles of a respective article group moved via the at least one horizontal conveyor device into its work area (AP1, AP2) and for this purpose can apply at least one packaging means (40) to the respective article group the packaging device (1) at least one support and / or push bar provided for rear contact with a respective group of articles, which at least one support and / or push bar provided for rear contact with a respective group of articles is guided along a preferably circumferential movement path, which is preferably circumferential Movement path runs through the work area (AP1, AP2) of the at least one manipulator (25, 35).

Description

The present invention relates to a packaging device and a method for packaging articles with the features of the respective independent claims.

Containers, which can be formed by beverage bottles, beverage cans or the like, for example, are often sold as bundles in which several containers are put together and combined with the aid of a packaging means. In practice, such packaging means can be formed, for example, by strapping or by shrink film, with the containers of a respective container being held tightly to one another as a finished sales unit. In addition, so-called bottle clips have existed for some time, which are designed as flat packaging blanks, have an associated opening for each container of a respective container and hold the respective containers of a respective container to one another in a form-fitting manner.

It can be provided, for example, that a bottle clip is applied to containers in different formation, whereby the containers are connected to form bundles. Such bottle clips are designed, for example, in the form of a perforated plate, as multiple-connected lids or the like.

Bottle clips often have an additional handle function. For the transport of several groups of containers combined by means of bottle clips, these are, for example, put together to form larger groups in a box or on a pallet, the box being closed for further transport and the composition on the pallet being wrapped, for example, with shrink film.

It is also known to place several groups of containers combined by means of bottle clips on a so-called tray for transport, which tray has an edge folded upwards to hold the beverage containers in a form-fitting manner, which have already been combined into containers via bottle clips.

Bottle clips are usually applied to the respective group of containers in a separate machine. The packaging process and the associated machine areas are divided up by the stand-alone, independent machine. Such machines require a lot of space if they are to be set up in a machine shop.

The bottle clips are usually applied after the articles have been grouped. This interrupts the usual process chain in the packaging machines. For the subsequent process, for example closing the outer box or wrapping the grouped items with a foil wrapper, the grouped items have to be once again placed on a fixed machine division and fed to the machine for applying the bottle clips. Only then can the box be closed or wrapped with foil. In addition to the already mentioned disadvantage of the high space requirement for the overall system, it cannot be ruled out in such embodiments that a malfunction occurs due to the numerous modules required to produce a container.

Solutions are already known which integrate the application of bottle clips into the process sequence. the DE 10 2009 026 220 A1 describes a method and a device for grouping and connecting articles, in which at least two articles are combined to form a packaging unit by applying a first packaging means. In the course of a continuous conveying movement, the individual packaging units are connected to an additional, second packaging means to form a larger unit.

The object of the invention is to provide a packaging device which has a compact structure and can combine several articles in the most reliable way possible by means of a packaging means to form a container. Furthermore, an object of the invention can be seen in providing a method with which a plurality of articles can be combined into a container in a simple and space-saving manner via a packaging means.

The above objects are achieved by a packaging device and by a method which comprise the features in the independent claims. Further advantageous refinements are described by the subclaims.

The invention relates to a method for combining several articles by means of at least one packaging means to form a container. The articles which are combined to form a container by means of the method can, for example, be designed as beverage containers and in particular as beverage bottles and / or as beverage cans.

As part of the method, an article group is formed from several articles to be combined into a respective container, with at least one manipulator subsequently applying at least one packaging material to the respective article group and thereby combining the respective article group into a container via the at least one applied packaging agent.

The article group can be formed, for example, by initially moving articles in several parallel rows, whereupon the articles provided for a respective article group are accelerated compared to trailing articles, so that a gap arises between the accelerated articles and trailing articles. For this purpose, for example, at least two conveyor belts can be provided, which connect to one another in one direction of movement of the articles, with a conveyor belt at the front in the direction of movement of the articles having a higher transport speed for articles than a conveyor belt set back in the direction of movement of the articles and / or with one in the direction of movement of the articles set back conveyor belt is operated intermittently.

There are also embodiments in which at least one restraint means is provided which allows articles intended for a respective article group to pass and temporarily delays further articles which follow these articles intended for the respective article group.

In the method it is provided that at least one support and / or push bar is brought into contact with the respective article group on the rear side with regard to a direction of movement of the respective article group. Furthermore, the application of the at least one packaging means takes place via the at least one manipulator, while the respective at least one support and / or push bar is in contact with the respective article group at the rear with regard to the direction of movement of the respective article group.

As a result, the respective article group can be stabilized during the application of the at least one packaging means via the at least one support and / or push bar, which is in contact with the article group on the rear, so that the risk of articles tipping over unintentionally when the at least one is applied Packaging means is kept low. In addition, through the use of such a push bar, an exact position of the articles to be equipped with packaging means can be determined without the need to use additional sensor devices whose signal assignment and signal processing is relatively complex and can lead to delays in the packaging process.

The movement of the support and / or push bar can be such that a respective support and / or push bar is brought into contact with articles intended for a respective article group, the articles of a respective article group are then temporarily accelerated and thereby spaced from trailing articles. Thus, the at least one support and / or push bar can itself form an article group from several articles to be combined into a respective container, in that the respective support and / or push bar, with regard to a direction of movement of the respective article group, initially on the back with articles intended for a respective article group is brought into system and the articles provided for a respective article group are at least temporarily accelerated compared to lagging articles.

An advantage preferably used in the present context, which is associated with a rear contact of the at least one support and / or push bar, is to be found in the fact that the respective position of the respective article group is known or is known due to the rear contact of the support and / or push bar . coincides exactly with a specified target position. In this way, it can be ensured with a high degree of certainty that the at least one packaging means can be applied to the respective article group without problems via the at least one manipulator. A movement to be carried out to apply the respective packaging means to the respective article group via the at least one manipulator can thus be timed to the respective actual position of the respective support and / or push bar, which is rearward with the respective article group with regard to a direction of movement of the article group is attached.

Embodiments have proven to be useful in which the at least one packaging means is applied to the respective article group via the at least one manipulator, while the respective at least one support and / or push bar pushes the respective article group slidingly along a pushing plate with rear contact. The respective article group can already be formed before the respective at least one push bar comes into contact with the respective article group at the rear.

In addition, embodiments are conceivable in which the at least one support and / or push bar comes into abutment on the back with articles of a respective article group to be formed, accelerates these articles compared to following articles and thereby produces or forms a respective article group from the accelerated articles.

It is also conceivable that at least two handrails oriented in the direction of movement of the respective article group are provided, which are located on both sides of the path of movement of the transported article groups. It can be the case here that the respective article group during the application of the at least one packaging means via the at least two in the direction of movement of the railing oriented to the respective article group is guided laterally.

Furthermore, the at least one support and / or push bar can be guided along a circumferential movement path by means of at least one endless traction means, in particular designed as a chain and / or belt, or traction means formed by a chain or belt, and in the course of a guide along the circumferential movement path on the back with the respective Article group are brought into the system. The at least one support and / or push bar can then be in contact with the respective article group on the rear side with regard to the direction of movement of the respective article group while the at least one packaging means is applied via the at least one manipulator. In preferred embodiments, at least two endless pulling means are provided, to which a plurality of support and / or pushing bars are each attached, the at least two endless pulling means jointly guiding the multitude of supporting and / or pushing bars along the circumferential movement path.

In practice, embodiments have thus proven themselves in which a large number of support and / or push bars are guided along the circumferential movement path by means of the at least one endless traction means, in particular designed as a chain and / or belt, with a respective support and / or push bar of the plurality of support and / or push bar is brought into contact with a respective group of articles on the rear side.

The respective support and / or push bar can then be in contact with the respective article group at the rear during continuous guidance along the circumferential path of movement with regard to the direction of movement of the respective article group, while the at least one packaging means is applied via the at least one manipulator.

The at least one manipulator can be designed as a component of at least one work module, the periphery of which is defined by at least one carrying and / or support structure of the at least one work module. It is conceivable here, for example, that the at least one manipulator is suspended from the carrying and / or support structure defining the periphery of the at least one work module.

In particular, the at least one manipulator can be mechanically fastened to the carrying and / or support structure of the at least one work module that defines the periphery.

It has proven useful if the at least one manipulator is carried via at least one linear guide on the carrying and / or support structure defining the periphery of the at least one work module, via which at least one linear guide the at least one manipulator can be moved along the direction of movement of the group of articles.

It can furthermore be that the at least one endless traction means, in particular designed as a chain and / or belt, runs in sections outside the periphery defined by the carrying and / or support structure. As a result, the at least one support and / or push bar can also be moved outside of the periphery defined by the support and / or support structure via the at least one endless traction means. In addition, it may be that the chain and / or belt drive, in particular having an endless traction mechanism, runs in sections outside the periphery defined by the carrying and / or support structure. As a result, the at least one support and / or push bar can also be moved outside of the periphery defined by the support and / or support structure via the at least one endless traction means.

The at least one manipulator can be designed as a portal system or as part of a portal system. In addition, there are further embodiments in which the at least one manipulator can be designed as a multi-axis robot and / or as a delta kinematics robot.

Embodiments have proven useful in which the at least one manipulator is designed as a component of the at least one work module, the periphery of which, as already mentioned, is defined by at least one carrying and / or support structure of the at least one work module. The at least one endless traction means, in particular designed as a chain and / or belt, can run in sections outside and in this case also in sections above or in the vertical direction over the periphery defined by the carrying and / or support structure.

A particular advantage of the mentioned embodiments can be seen in the fact that the chain or belt drive and / or the endless traction means together with the supporting and / or pushing bars guided thereon passes through a single work module or through two or more successive work modules and connects them with one another for transport purposes , where also the Return of the endless traction means together with the supporting and / or pushing bars guided thereon takes place via a work module or over two or more work modules. In this way, no coupling and / or synchronization problems between successively arranged work modules are to be expected, which could be the case with conventional configurations if, for example, several work modules, each equipped with dividing devices in the form of circumferential dividing bars or the like, to be coupled with each other and synchronized in terms of conveying technology.

In particular for these configurations and machine equipment, the system according to the invention with the cross-module pushing devices represents a significant improvement and simplification, even if the new problem of pushing bar guidance through several modules and pushing bar return across several modules has to be solved. However, since the advantages predominate, the additional effort of the push and / or contact bar guide can be accepted.

In order to be able to keep the risk of unintentional contact with the at least one endless traction means low and thereby counteract injury to a person, embodiments have proven useful in which a section of the at least one endless traction means, in particular designed as a chain and / or belt, which is outside the over the Supporting and / or support structure defined periphery runs, inaccessible from the outside through a housing or inaccessible from the outside through a channel.

If the at least one endless traction means, in particular designed as a chain and / or belt, runs in sections outside and in this case also in sections above or in the vertical direction over the periphery defined by the support and / or support structure, it may be that a section which is outside and in this case also runs in sections above or in the vertical direction above the periphery defined by the support and / or support structure, inaccessible from the outside through an enclosure or inaccessible from the outside through a channel.

In the method, at least one first manipulator and at least one second manipulator can be provided. It is conceivable here that the at least one first manipulator and the at least one second manipulator work together to apply a plurality of different packaging means to a respective group of articles.

As an alternative or in addition to this, it can be the case that the at least one first manipulator and the at least one second manipulator are assigned different article groups, if necessary via a control and / or regulating device, the at least one first manipulator applying at least one packaging material to article groups which are intended for the at least one first manipulator have been assigned, and wherein the at least one second manipulator applies at least one packaging means to article groups which have been assigned to the at least one second manipulator.

It can also be the case that the packaging material is applied to the respective article group via the at least one first manipulator and the at least one second manipulator, while the respective at least one support and / or push bar is in contact with the respective article group at the rear.

The multiple articles can be formed by multiple beverage containers. Furthermore, the at least one packaging means can be or be formed by at least one flat packaging blank which provides a respective opening for a respective beverage container of a respective beverage container group.

In the method it can then be provided that the at least one manipulator applies the respective at least one packaging means formed by a flat packaging blank onto a respective beverage container group in the direction from above, so that the respective beverage containers of a respective beverage container group immerse into a respective opening, following this be held together in a form-fitting manner via the respective flat packaging blank that has been applied and are combined to form a bundle via the flat packaging blank that has been applied.

It can also be the case that a formed group of articles drives onto a tray, with the at least one manipulator subsequently applying the at least one packaging means to the respective article group, the respective article group still being on the tray.

The invention also relates to a packaging device for producing bundles each having a plurality of articles. Features that have already been mentioned above for various embodiments of the method can also be provided in the embodiments of a packaging device described below and are in some cases not mentioned more than once. Features described below, which are mentioned in connection with the described embodiments of the packaging device below, can also be used the already described embodiments of the method according to the invention can be provided. The packaging device can optionally be designed or prepared to implement or carry out the embodiments of the method already described above.

The packaging device comprises at least one horizontal conveyor device and at least one manipulator. The at least one horizontal conveyor device is designed in such a way that article groups can be moved into a working area of the at least one manipulator via the at least one horizontal conveyor device. Furthermore, the at least one manipulator can apply at least one packaging means to the respective group of articles in order to combine respective articles of a respective article group moved into its work area via the at least one horizontal conveyor device.

The packaging device comprises at least one support and / or push bar provided for rear contact with a respective group of articles, which at least one support and / or push bar provided for rear contact with a respective group of articles is guided along a preferably encircling movement path, which is preferably encircling movement path the working area of the at least one manipulator runs.

Embodiments have proven useful in which a pushing plate is positioned in the working area of the at least one manipulator, along which pushing plate the at least one support and / or pushing bar can slide a respective group of articles with rear contact through the working area of the at least one manipulator. The at least one support and / or push bar as well as the push plate positioned in the working area of the at least one manipulator can thus form the at least one horizontal conveyor device or be designed as a component of the at least one horizontal conveyor device. It can also be the case that the at least one horizontal conveyor device is formed by at least one conveyor belt which moves at least one conveyor belt groups of articles into a work area of the at least one manipulator.

The at least one support and / or push bar provided for rear contact with a respective group of articles can also be connected to at least one endless traction means, preferably designed as a chain and / or belt, via which at least one endless traction means, preferably designed as a chain and / or belt, of the at least a support and / or push bar provided for rear contact with a respective group of articles is guided along the preferably circumferential movement path which runs through the working area of the at least one manipulator.

In further embodiments, the at least one support and / or push bar provided for rear contact with a respective group of articles can also be guided via an electromagnetic direct drive and / or via further drives along the preferably circulating movement path, which circulating movement path goes through the working area of the at least one manipulator runs.

It is conceivable that the at least one manipulator is designed as a component of at least one work module of the packaging device, which at least one work module has at least one support and / or support structure that defines a periphery of the at least one work module. It can be the case here that the preferably encircling movement path runs in sections outside the periphery defined by the at least one support and / or support structure.

In particular, it can be that the at least one manipulator is designed as a component of at least one work module of the packaging device, which at least one work module has at least one support and / or support structure that defines a periphery of the at least one work module. It can be the case here that the preferably circumferential movement path runs in sections outside and here in sections above or in the vertical direction over the periphery defined by the at least one carrying and / or support structure.

The packaging device can optionally include at least one horizontal conveyor device and two or more manipulators in downstream work modules. The at least one horizontal conveyor device is designed in such a way that article groups can be moved via the at least one horizontal conveyor device into a work area of a manipulator and then into the work area of a further manipulator. Furthermore, one of the manipulators for combining the respective articles of a respective article group moved into its working area via the at least one horizontal conveyor device can apply at least one packaging means to the respective article group.

In addition, in the interest of higher machine performance, a further manipulator can use packaging means of the same type on article groups that were not previously equipped with packaging means raise. Optionally, a further manipulator can apply different types of packaging to article groups previously equipped with first packaging.

The packaging device comprises at least one support and / or push bar provided for rear contact with a respective group of articles, which at least one support and / or push bar provided for rear contact with a respective group of articles is guided along a preferably encircling movement path, which is preferably encircling movement path the working areas of the manipulators, which are arranged one behind the other and typically directly adjoining one another, run through them.

Embodiments have proven themselves in which a push plate or a common push plate is positioned in the respective work areas of the manipulators, along which push plate (s) the at least one support and / or push bar slides a respective group of articles with rear contact through the work area of the successive arranged manipulators can slide. The at least one support and / or push bar and the push plate positioned in the working areas of the manipulators can thus form the at least one horizontal conveyor device or be designed as a component of the at least one horizontal conveyor device. It can also be that the at least one horizontal conveyor device is formed by at least one conveyor belt which moves at least one conveyor belt groups of items into a work area of the manipulators or into work areas of the manipulators.

The at least one support and / or push bar provided for rear contact with a respective group of articles can also be connected to at least one endless traction means, preferably designed as a chain and / or belt, via which at least one endless traction means, preferably designed as a chain and / or belt, of the at least a support and / or push bar provided for rear contact with a respective group of articles is guided along the preferably circumferential movement path which runs through the working areas of the two or more manipulators.

In further embodiments, the at least one support and / or push bar provided for rear contact with a respective group of articles can also be guided via an electromagnetic direct drive and / or via further drives along the preferably circulating movement path, which circulating movement path runs through the working areas of the manipulators.

It is also conceivable that the manipulators are each designed as components of work modules of the packaging device, the work modules each having a common carrying and / or support structure which defines a periphery of the two or more work modules. It can be the case here that the preferably circumferential movement path runs in sections outside the periphery of the plurality of work modules defined by the at least one support and / or support structure.

In particular, it can be that the manipulators are each designed as components of work modules of the packaging device that are coupled to one another and arranged one after the other in the transport direction, the work modules having at least one support and / or support structure that defines a common periphery of the work modules. It can be the case here that the preferably circumferential movement path runs in sections outside and here in sections above or in the vertical direction over the periphery defined by the at least one carrying and / or support structure.

Furthermore, it is conceivable that a section of the preferably circumferential movement path running outside through the at least one support and / or support structure runs through a housing formed as a component of the packaging device or runs through a channel closed as a component of the packaging device.

• - der mindestens eine erste Manipulator und der mindestens eine zweite Manipulator über die Steuer- und/oder Regeleinrichtung zum Aufbringen mehrerer unterschiedlicher Verpackungsmittel auf eine jeweilige Artikelgruppe betätigbar sind und/oder dass
• - dem mindestens einen ersten Manipulator und dem mindestens einen zweiten Manipulator über die Steuer- und/oder Regeleinrichtung unterschiedliche Artikelgruppen zugeordnet werden können, wobei vorgesehen ist, dass der mindestens eine erste Manipulator und der mindestens eine zweite Manipulator mittels der Steuer- und/oder Regeleinrichtung zum Aufbringen von Verpackungsmitteln auf die unterschiedlichen und über die Steuer- und/oder Regeleinrichtung zugeordneten Artikelgruppen betätigbar sind.

In various embodiments, the packaging device can comprise at least one first manipulator and at least one second manipulator, which are connected to a control and / or regulating device. It may be that

• the at least one first manipulator and the at least one second manipulator can be actuated via the control and / or regulating device for applying several different packaging means to a respective group of articles and / or that
• - Different article groups can be assigned to the at least one first manipulator and the at least one second manipulator via the control and / or regulating device, it being provided that the at least one first manipulator and the at least one second manipulator by means of the control and / or or control device for applying packaging material to the different article groups assigned via the control and / or regulating device can be actuated.

Such embodiments with several manipulators and several work modules are characterized by a very high throughput.

It may be that the at least one support and / or push bar provided for rear contact with a respective group of articles is guided along a preferably circumferential movement path, which preferably circumferential movement path both through a work area of the at least one first manipulator and through a work area of the at least one second manipulator runs.

It can furthermore be that the packaging device is designed to produce bundles each having a plurality of articles, in which bundles the articles are formed by beverage containers. In addition or as an alternative to this, it can be provided that the at least one manipulator designed as flat packaging blanks can apply force to or attach to article groups moving in its work area, which flat packaging blanks one for each article of a respective article group moved into its work area via the at least one horizontal conveyor device have assigned opening.

The plurality or multiplicity of support and / or push bars can be attached to or attached to the endless traction means individually or at fixed positions. The support and / or push bars can thus be adapted to different processing programs. The method and the device thereby enable, for example, the processing of a wide variety of pack and / or beverage container formations, such as 2x2 formations, 2x3, 2x4 or other formations.

Such beverage container formations that are already wrapped in a tray, for example, can be processed, for example 4x6 formations wrapped around in the tray. On such 4x6 beverage container formations already repackaged in the tray, for example, four outer packagings in the 2x3 format, formed for example by packaging blanks applied to the top of the formations, can be applied or attached with force.

• - wenigstens einen zur rückseitigen Anlage an einer jeweiligen Artikelgruppe vorgesehenen Stütz- und/oder Schubbalken,
• - wenigstens zwei Arbeitsmodule, umfassend jeweils einen Manipulator zum Aufbringen von ausgebildeten Verpackungsmitteln auf in seinem jeweiligen Arbeitsbereich bewegte Artikelgruppen,
• - wobei eine Führung für den Stütz- und/oder Schubbalken vorgesehen ist, welche sich in Transportrichtung gesehen entlang wenigstens beider Arbeitsbereiche der beiden Arbeitsmodule erstreckt.

The invention also relates to a packaging device for applying packaging means to at least one article group, comprising

• - At least one support and / or push bar provided for rear contact with a respective group of articles,
• - At least two work modules, each comprising a manipulator for applying designed packaging materials to groups of articles moving in their respective work areas,
• - A guide for the support and / or push bar is provided, which, viewed in the transport direction, extends along at least both work areas of the two work modules.

In particular, the guide extends laterally next to a transport path for the article groups, but parallel to it. The guide can, for example, be a chain guide for a driven chain on which the support or push bars are arranged. In particular, the device can comprise two laterally arranged guides in / on which the support or push bars run. As an alternative to driven chains, a long-stator linear drive with so-called movers can also be used to drive the support or pusher beams, with each pusher beam being arranged on a mover - the mover in turn has rollers, which in turn are arranged in / on the guide.

All aspects mentioned before and after this device can, if possible, also be part of this device.

• - Schieben von Artikelgruppen mittels an den Artikelgruppen rückseitig anliegenden Stütz- und/oder Schubbalken durch zwei Arbeitsmodule, welche jeweils einen Manipulator mit einem jeweiligen Arbeitsbereich umfassen,
• - Aufbringen von Verpackungsmitteln mittels beider Manipulatoren in ihrem jeweiligen Arbeitsbereich auf die von den Stütz- und/oder Schubbalken bewegten Artikelgruppen,
• - wobei eine rückseitige Anlage des Stütz- und/oder Schubbalken an einer Artikelgruppe durchgehend durch wenigstens beide Arbeitsmodule und Arbeitsbereiche durch denselben Stütz- und/oder Schubbalken beibehalten wird.

The invention also relates to a method for applying packaging materials to at least one group of articles, comprising the following steps:

• - Pushing of article groups by means of support and / or push bars resting on the rear of the article groups through two work modules, each of which includes a manipulator with a respective work area,
• - Application of packaging means by means of both manipulators in their respective work area on the groups of items moved by the support and / or push bars,
• - With a rear contact of the support and / or push bar on an article group through at least both work modules and work areas is maintained by the same support and / or push bar.

All aspects mentioned before and after this procedure can, if possible, also be part of this procedure.

In particular, the first contact between the support or push bar and the article group takes place in front of the first work area

In particular, the contact between the support or push bar and the article group is only released again after leaving the second work module, the second work module lying behind the first in the direction of movement.

With the methods and devices presented, it is possible to apply different packaging materials to the article groups in one work cycle. A work cycle means that there is no work interruption of the device.

In particular, it can be the case that blanks of different sizes are applied to groups of items, the blanks differing in the number of items to be picked up.

It can be the case that the first manipulator in the first work area applies at least partially or temporarily different blanks to the article groups than the second manipulator in the second work area.

It may be that one or both manipulators each apply different blanks to the article groups.

It is possible that a manipulator applies two identical blanks to one group of articles in one operation.

It is possible that a manipulator applies two different blanks to one group of articles in one operation.

Several magazines, which are located in the access area of the respective manipulator, can be arranged in or on a work module.

Accordingly, it may be that a manipulator can access two or more magazines in which either the different or the same blanks are kept ready.

In a magazine, two blanks can be arranged next to one another, which are removed together, that is, at the same time.

The manipulators can be equipped with mutually different tools during a work cycle.

The tool of a manipulator can be made so wide that it can simultaneously access two magazines lying close together with the same or different blanks.

Finally, a further machine configuration should be mentioned at this point, which is also part of the invention described here. The present invention thus comprises a packaging device or packaging machine which is used to apply packaging means to at least one group of articles. The packaging device or packaging machine comprises at least one support and / or pushing bar provided for rear contact with a respective group of articles and at least two work modules, each comprising a manipulator for applying configured packaging materials to groups of articles moving in its respective work area. According to the invention, it is provided that the rear contact by means of the support and / or push bar on the respective moving group of articles is maintained at least until the group of articles leaves the work area of the at least second work module. In this way, it can be reliably ensured that the precise transport of articles from one work module to the next into the next work module is maintained, so that the manipulators in the following work modules also receive precise position information, which means that additional sensors are used to detect the exact position and position of the article groups moved through the modules can be dispensed with.

• 1 zeigt eine schematische Ansicht einer Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Verpackungsvorrichtung und verdeutlicht einzelne Schritte, wie sie bei diversen Ausführungsformen des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens vorgesehen sein können.
• 2 zeigt eine schematische Detailansicht einzelner Komponenten der Verpackungsvorrichtung gemäß dem Ausführungsbeispiel nach 1.
• 3 zeigt eine schematische Ansicht einer Ausführungsform eines Gebindes, wie es mittels der Verpackungsvorrichtung gemäß dem Ausführungsbeispiel nach 1 und 2 und mittels der Ausführungsform des Verfahrens nach 4 jeweils hergestellt werden kann.
• 4 zeigt eine schematische Ansicht einer Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Verpackungsvorrichtung, die auch zur Durchführung des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens geeignet ist.
• 5 zeigt eine schematische Ansicht einer weiteren Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Verpackungsvorrichtung, die auch zur Durchführung des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens geeignet ist.
• 6 zeigt im Flussdiagramm einzelne Schritte, wie sie bei diversen Ausführungsformen des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens vorgesehen sein können.
• 7 zeigt eine schematische Darstellung (Draufsicht) von einer Ausführungsform mit unterschiedlichen Gebinden

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 schematic view of an embodiment of a packaging device according to the invention and illustrates individual steps as they can be provided in various embodiments of the method according to the invention.
• 2 shows a schematic detailed view of individual components of the packaging device according to the embodiment of FIG 1 .
• 3 FIG. 11 shows a schematic view of an embodiment of a container as it is done by means of the packaging device according to the embodiment of FIG 1 and 2 and by means of the embodiment of the method according to 4th each can be produced.
• 4th shows a schematic view of an embodiment of the invention Packaging device which is also suitable for carrying out the method according to the invention.
• 5 shows a schematic view of a further embodiment of the packaging device according to the invention, which is also suitable for carrying out the method according to the invention.
• 6th shows in the flowchart individual steps as they can be provided in various embodiments of the method according to the invention.
• 7th shows a schematic representation (top view) of an embodiment with different containers

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 are only examples of how the invention can be designed and do not represent an exclusive limitation.

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.

the 1 shows a schematic view of an embodiment of a packaging device according to the invention 1 and illustrates individual steps as they are in various embodiments of the method 100 according to the invention (cf. 4th ) can be provided.

The packaging device 1 is used to produce multiple items at a time 2 having containers 4th (see. 3 ) educated. To the article 2 to pack or to consist of several articles 2 a container 4th manufacture will be the article 2 along the packaging device 1 uninterrupted in the direction of movement BR transported. At the packaging device 1 are the articles 2 therefore at no time still, so that the packaging device 1 Container 4th can produce with high throughput.

To a respective packaging means 40 on several articles 2 to be able to apply this to a container 4th To be summarized, it is first necessary that from these respective articles 2 a respective grouping is formed, which grouping all for a respective container 4th intended articles 2 includes. The packaging device has for this purpose 1 a grouping device 10 .

The grouping device 10 is able to use several for each container for this purpose 4th intended articles 2 compared to the following articles 2 to accelerate briefly, so that between the accelerated articles 2 and subsequent articles 2 a gap arises and the articles already accelerated 2 form an article group.

For such a grouping device 10 there are numerous conceivable embodiments in practice. So it can be in various embodiments that the grouping device 10 comprises several conveyor belts that have different transport speeds and / or can be operated intermittently and thereby from several articles 2 train a respective article group. Already known grouping devices can also be used 10 have retention elements, which article 2 an article group to be formed and subsequent articles 2 delay for a short time.

Regardless of the training of the grouping device 10 is at the packing device 1 according to 1 and 2 provided that a support and / or push bar comes into contact with a respective group of articles on the rear side and the respective group of articles during its further movement in the direction of movement BR accompanied under rear attachment.

At the endless traction means 15th and 17th , which run parallel or essentially parallel, a plurality or multiplicity of such support and / or push bars are arranged in such a way that a longitudinal extension of a respective support and / or push bar is perpendicular to the direction of movement BR the item 2 runs. It can be the case here that a respective support and / or push bar already comes into contact with a respective article group on the rear side before a respective article group reaches the grouping device 10 leaves. As an alternative to this, it can also be that an article group is the grouping device 10 leaves, whereupon a respective support and / or push bar is brought into contact with a respective group of articles at the rear.

Via the grouping facility 10 the article group becomes a first work module 20th fed, which a first manipulator 25th owns. The first manipulator 25th is in the embodiment according to 1 and 2 designed as a portal system or part of a portal system. In further Embodiments can be the first manipulator 25th also be designed as a delta kinematics robot or as a further handling device.

The packaging means 40 (see. 3 ), which, for example, as a flat packaging cut 41 is formed, can via the first manipulator 25th of the first work module 20th can be applied to an article group. For this purpose, the article group is in the work area AB1 of the first manipulator 25th moved, whereupon the first manipulator 25th a respective packaging means 40 or a respective flat packaging blank 41 in the direction coming from above, presses onto the respective article group with force applied.

Like this also through the 3 is recognizable are the articles 2 thereby to a container 4th summarized in which the packaging means 40 or the flat packaging cut 41 the articles 2 of the container 4th holds together positively and non-positively.

The first manipulator 25th of the first work module 20th is also suspended from a support structure via a linear guide 22nd of the first work module 20th arranged. The first manipulator can be along the linear guide 25th during the application of the respective packaging material 40 or the respective flat packaging blank 41 be moved to an article group together with the respective article group.

Thus, in such embodiments there is no need for the article group to apply the flat packaging blank 41 is stopped or is at a standstill. The production of containers 4th can over the packing device 1 therefore take place with a comparatively high throughput.

As in particular from the schematic perspective view of 3 becomes clear, forms the packaging means 40 or the flat packaging cut 41 for each item 2 an associated opening 42 the end.

To the packaging material 40 or the flat packaging cut 41 about the first manipulator 25th In order to be able to apply to an article group coming from above, the articles 2 are in an arrangement in which the articles 2 with the openings 42 of the flat packaging cut 41 cursing.

Problems therefore often arise with packaging devices known from the prior art, since it cannot always be guaranteed with certainty that the articles of a respective article group are located exactly on one for applying the flat packaging blank 41 provided position where the article 2 with the openings 42 of the flat packaging cut 41 cursing. By applying force to flat packaging blanks 41 it can also be with devices known from the prior art that individual articles 2 when applying a respective flat packaging blank 41 accidentally tip over.

As previously mentioned, is with the packaging device 1 it is provided that a support and / or push bar each group of articles under rear contact during their movement in the direction of movement BR accompanied.

In the embodiment according to 1 and 2 comprises the packaging device 1 in addition, a push-over plate, along which a push-over plate a respective support and / or pushing bar carries a respective group of articles during their movement through the first work module 20th as well as a second work module to be described below 30th slides under rear plant.

The application of a respective packaging material 40 or a respective flat packaging blank 41 thus takes place temporally during the respective support and / or push bar with regard to the direction of movement BR the respective article group is attached to the respective article group on the back. The support and / or push bar can thus support the respective article group through its rear contact during the force-applied application of the packaging means 40 or during the force-applied application of the flat packaging blank 41 support, so that the risk of accidental tipping of items 2 this is kept low. Due to the rear contact with the respective article group and the sliding of the respective article group in the direction of movement BR correct the position of the article 2 of a respective article group exactly matches a predetermined target position, so that the flat packaging blank 41 when applied to the article group with its openings 2 targeted to the article 2 of the respective article group.

On the first work module 20th follows in the direction of movement BR the second work module 30th , which is via a second manipulator 35 disposes. Both the first manipulator 25th of the first work module 20th as well as the second manipulator 35 of the second work module 30th stand with a control and / or regulating device S. in connection.

The control and / or regulating device S. assigns the first manipulator 25th and the second manipulator 35 different article groups. Next will be the first manipulator 25th and the second manipulator 35 via the control and / or regulating device S. operated in such a way that the first manipulator 25th Packaging means 40 only applies to groups of articles that are sent to him by means of the control and / or regulating device S. were assigned.

The second manipulator 35 brings packaging material 40 only on article groups that are assigned to the second manipulator 35 by means of the control and / or regulating device S. were assigned. The first manipulator 25th and the second manipulator 35 thus work together to provide at least one respective packaging means for all article groups 40 to raise.

Article groups which the second manipulator 35 have been assigned, the work area AP1 of the first manipulator 25th happen without any packaging material on top of this 40 is applied.

A respective support and / or push bar pushes a respective group of articles through the work area under the rear contact AP2 of the second manipulator 35 so that also the second manipulator 35 a respective packaging means 40 can apply to a respective group of articles, while a respective support and / or push bar is in contact with a respective group of articles on the back. Due to the rear contact of the support and / or push bar, the article group is exactly in a position that is used for applying the flat packaging blank 41 is expected.

Together with the applied packaging material 40 or with the applied flat packaging blank 41 a respective article group leaves the second work module 30th and can by means of the transport and handling device 50 be moved in the direction of a palletizing station and / or in the direction of other stations. It can be the case, for example, that blanks of thermoplastic packaging material are placed on containers 4th are applied and the container 4th then passed through a shrink tunnel.

Taking into account the detailed view 2 become further aspects of the packaging device 1 clear. In 2 are now part of the first work module 20th trained support and / or support structure 22nd as well as as part of the second work module 30th trained support and / or support structure 32 to recognize in detail. As part of the first work module 20th trained support and / or support structure 22nd defines a periphery of the first work module 20th fixed. Likewise, the supporting and / or support structure lays 32 of the second work module 30th a periphery of the second work module 30th fixed.

The endless traction means 15th and 17th , to which the support and / or push bars are attached and which define a circumferential path of movement for the support and / or push bars attached to them, run in sections outside of the respective periphery, which over the bearing and / or support structures 22nd and 32 of the first work module 20th and the second work module 30th be determined.

The schematic representation 2 also shows that the endless traction means 15th and 17th also run above the respective periphery, which over the bearing and / or support structures 22nd and 32 of the first work module 20th and the second work module 30th be determined. This advantageously makes it possible to avoid a user inadvertently using the endless traction means 15th and 17th came into contact and possibly injured himself.

In addition, no complex guides are necessary around the endless traction means 15th and 17th in confined spaces of the first and second work module 20th and 30th to arrange. If the endless traction means 15th and 17th The endless traction means show signs of wear or have to be serviced or lubricated 15th and 17th above the first work module 20th and the second work module 30th accessible for this.

the 2 also shows that the packaging device 1 a blank feed 7th includes which one below one for the article 2 provided transport level is arranged. Via the blank feed 7th can not be shown in the figures with packaging blanks in the transport route of the already produced container 4th be introduced, with the container 4th approach a respective blank and are then arranged on the respective blank.

The blanks or packaging blanks can be designed as so-called trays, for example, which have tabs that are folded upwards and on the sides.

In the embodiment according to 1 and 2 are the containers first 4th formed, followed by the finished container 4th then approach a respective blank. In practice, embodiments have proven to be useful in which at least one article group approaches a respective such blank, on which respective at least one article group has not yet been given a flat packaging blank 41 is upset.

A respective flat packaging blank can follow the respective article group in time 41 via the respective manipulator 25th or 35 are applied, with the respective Article group is located on such a blank or on a tray. Since the respective blank has lateral flaps that are in an upright orientation, the respective article group is removed during the application of the flat packaging blank 41 also kept stable via the blank or its side tabs, so that the risk of articles tipping over unintentionally 2 can be further reduced.

the 3 shows a schematic view of a container 4th , as it is with various embodiments of the packaging device according to the invention 1 and can be produced with various embodiments of the method 100 according to the invention.

The container 4th from the embodiment according to 3 includes eight articles 2 , which are each designed as beverage cans, as well as a packaging means 40 or a flat packaging cut 41 about which the article 2 be held together and held in defined positions. The flat packaging cut 41 can, for example, be made of plastic or cardboard and / or cardboard.

In alternative embodiments, the articles 2 can also be formed by beverage bottles. The number of the present eight articles 2 or eight beverage containers is only to be understood as an example, so that by means of a packaging device 1 according to the embodiment according to 1 and 2 also containers 4th can be produced with a different number with, for example, exactly four or six articles 2 or with exactly four or six beverage containers.

the 3 indicates that the packaging means 40 or the flat packaging cut 41 for each item 2 a respective opening 42 trains through which the respective beverage container 2 with an upper part passes through it. To the flat packaging cut 41 on the article 2 to apply to a respective group of articles, is the packaging cut 41 on the article 2 in the direction coming from above with a defined force, the article 2 with their upper part through the openings 42 step through. It is applied using a manipulator 15th respectively. 25th as he said before 1 has been described.

During the application there is a support and / or push bar with articles 2 of the container to be formed 4th in the rear attachment, gives the exact position for the respective article 2 for applying the flat packaging blank 41 before and also prevents the article 2 Tip over unintentionally during application.

the 3 also makes it clear that the article 2 Must be aligned with each other so that the articles 2 when applying the packaging blank 41 with their upper part through the openings 42 can pass through. For this purpose, the support and / or push bar is provided, which the article 2 of the container 4th aligns and in one direction of movement BR pushes.

The alignment of the articles 2 to each other is such that the article 2 along their respective longitudinal direction with their respective associated opening 42 of the packaging cut 41 cursing. After applying the packaging blank 41 on the article 2 corresponding 3 will be the article 2 about the packaging cut 4th positively and non-positively held together.

It is conceivable that the article 2 of the container 4th are held together via other connections, which in 3 are not shown. In particular, between lateral jacket surfaces of directly adjacent articles 2 an adhesive bond can be formed.

In addition, as already mentioned above, several article groups can be used before the respective packaging material is applied 40 or even before the respective flat packaging blank is applied 41 Stand up on a tray that has several side edge areas that are folded upwards. The tray can be used from underneath one to move the item 2 provided transport level in a transport route of the article 2 be introduced, whereby a respective group of articles then moves onto a respective tray.

The schematic view of the 4th shows a further embodiment of a packaging device according to the invention 1 which is also suitable for carrying out the method according to the invention. This is the packaging device 1 a tray that has already been manufactured 5 fed in a 4x6 formation. In the variant according to 4th becomes the tray 5 with the respective article group in the 4x6 formation through the respective support and / or push bar 6th through the following modules 20th and 30th promoted.

Like the schematic top view of the 4th can be seen, several trays are placed one after the other 5 in the direction of movement BR (from right to left) through the packaging device 1 promoted and by means of the first and second work modules 20th and 30th with packaging materials 40 fitted. A sensible work sequence in the interest of a high machine throughput can provide that in the first work module 20th initially two 2x3 formations with packaging materials 40 in the form of top on six articles 2 applied flat Packaging cuts 41 be equipped. These are those of the pushing support and / or pushing beam 6th closer 2x3 formations.

Then in the second work module 30th the remaining two 2x3 formations inside the tray 5 with packaging materials 40 in the form of top on six articles 2 applied flat packaging blanks 41 fitted. These are those of the pushing support and / or pushing beam 6th more distant 2x3 formations, ie those in the direction of movement BR on the front of both containers or 2x3 formations.

The schematic top view of the 5 shows a further embodiment of the packaging device according to the invention 1 , which is also suitable for carrying out a further variant of the method according to the invention. In the 5 shown packaging device 1 includes four in the direction of movement BR working modules arranged one behind the other 20th , 30th , 60 and 70 in which by the device 1 transported trays 5 with packaging materials 40 be equipped.

Even with the in 5 The embodiment variant shown is the packaging device 1 a tray that has already been manufactured 5 fed in a 4x6 formation. The trays 5 or tray 5 are with the respective article group in the 4x6 formation by means of the respective support and / or push bar 6th through the following modules 20th and 30th as 60 and 70 promoted.

Like the schematic top view of the 5 can be seen, several trays are placed one after the other 5 in the direction of movement BR (from right to left) through the packaging device 1 promoted and by means of the first, second, third and fourth work modules 20th , 30th , 60 and 70 one after the other with packaging material 40 fitted. A sensible work sequence in the interest of a high machine throughput can provide that in the first work module 20th initially only one of a total of four 2x3 formations with one packaging material 40 in the form of one on top of six in a rectangular arrangement (2x3 formation) within the tray 5 related articles 2 applied flat packaging blank 41 is equipped. This is that of the pushing support and / or pushing beam 6th closer right 2x3 formation.

Then in the second work module 30th which is part of the first work module 20th in the direction of movement BR downstream is another of the total of four 2x3 formations with a packaging means 40 in the form of one on top of six in a rectangular arrangement (2x3 formation) within the tray 5 related articles 2 applied flat packaging blank 41 fitted. This is in the second work module 30th that of the pushing support and / or pushing beam 6th closer left 2x3 formation.

After completing the second work module 30th there are already two 2x3 formations inside the tray 5 with packaging cuts 41 fitted.

Then the third work module 60 , which is part of the second work module 30th in the direction of movement BR downstream is another 2x3 formation within the tray 5 with a packaging means 40 in the form of a top on six articles 2 applied flat packaging blank 41 fitted. This is the left of the two supporting and / or pushing beams that are pushing 6th more distant 2x3 formations, ie that in the direction of movement BR left front pack or the left front 2x3 formation.

Finally, the fourth work module 70 , which is the third work module 60 in the direction of movement BR downstream is another 2x3 formation within the tray 5 with a packaging means 40 in the form of a top on six articles 2 applied flat packaging blank 41 fitted. This is the right of the two supporting and / or pushing beams that are pushing 6th more distant 2x3 formations, ie that in the direction of movement BR right front pack or the left front 2x3 formation.

the 5 thus shows an embodiment variant in which within the four work modules 20th , 30th , 60 and 70 one manipulator each (not specified here) each only one packaging blank 41 on a 2x3 rectangular arrangement of articles 2 within the larger tray 2 brings up what with appropriate coordination of the cooperating work modules 20th , 30th , 60 and 70 a correspondingly high throughput of tray containers 5 permitted.

The continuous through the packaging device 1 supporting and / or pushing beams running through 6th that according to 1 and 2 also circulating at synchronized intervals and for conveying further trays 5 are fed back to the starting point, enable a very precise machine control and positioning of the corresponding manipulators without the need for complex transfer procedures between the work modules 20th , 30th , 60 and 70 would be required.

the 6th Finally, FIG. 3 shows individual steps in the flowchart, as they are in various embodiments of the method 100 according to the invention can be provided. The method 100 according to the embodiment of FIG 6th can by means of a packaging device 1 according to the embodiment 1 and 2 implemented or carried out. The method 100 according to the embodiment of FIG 6th can also by means of a packaging device 1 according to the embodiment 4th and 5 implemented or carried out.

Method 100 produces multiple articles 2 via a packaging means 40 to a container 4th summarized. In a first step, to which reference is made with number 110, several articles are created in each case 2 Article groups formed, including the articles intended for a respective article group 2 compared to other articles 2 separated or accelerated briefly.

In method step 120, a support and / or push bar is then set with regard to a direction of movement BR the respective article group is brought into contact with the respective article group on the back and then pushes the respective article group through at least one work area AP1 respectively. AP2 at least one manipulator 25th respectively. 35 .

In method step 130, the at least one manipulator brings about 25th respectively. 35 then at least one packaging means 40 on a respective one in his work area AP1 respectively. AP2 postponed article group. The respective support and / or push bar is here still with regard to a direction of movement BR the respective article group on the back with the respective article group attached.

7th shows different examples of article groups or bundles with different cuts. The blanks 41 differ in size and can contain different numbers of items 2 combine in one container.

The picture a) shows three identical containers with eight articles each 2 on a tray.

The picture b) shows six containers with four articles each 2 on a tray.

The picture c) shows four containers with four articles each 2 and a container with eight articles on a tray.

The picture d) shows two containers with four articles each and one container with two, six and eight articles each 2 a tray.

The picture e) shows five containers on a tray, three with four articles 2 and two with six articles 2 .

The respective blanks can have been applied by two or three or more manipulators. It may be that the figure-of-eight blank in c) was applied by the first manipulator and the other blanks by a second.

Finally, the following should be pointed out: 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 his understanding being impaired in any way from the drawn and possibly not exactly to scale proportions . The figures thus 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 in more general and / or more abstract form on the basis of the more specifically explained implementations of the method according to the invention and the more specifically explained mode of operation of the packaging 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

items

4th

Container

5

Tray, tray bundle

6th

Support and / or push bars

7th

Blank feed

10

Grouping device

15th

Endless traction means

17th

Endless traction means

20th

first work module

22nd

Support and / or support structure

25th

first manipulator

30th

second work module

32

Support and / or support structure

35

second manipulator

40

Packaging means

41

flat packaging cut

42

opening

50

Transport and handling equipment

60

third work module

70

fourth work module

AP1

Work area (first manipulator 25th )

AP2

Work area (second manipulator 35 )

BR

Direction of movement

S.

Control and / or regulating device

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

• DE 102009026220 A1 [0008]

Claims (19)

Method (100) for combining several articles (2) via at least one packaging means (40) to form a container (4), an article group being formed from the several articles (2) to be combined into a respective container (4) and at least following this in time a manipulator (25, 35) applies at least one packaging means (40) to the respective article group and thereby combines the respective article group into a container (4) via the at least one applied packaging means (40), with at least one support in the method (100) - and / or push bar (6) with regard to a direction of movement (BR) of the respective article group is brought into abutment on the rear side with the respective article group, and the application of the at least one packaging means (40) via the at least one manipulator (25, 35) takes place on the respective article group, while the respective at least one support and / or push bar (6) with regard to the movement gsrichtung (BR) of the respective article group is attached to the back with the respective article group. Procedure according to Claim 1 , in which the application of the at least one packaging means (40) via the at least one manipulator (25, 35) takes place on the respective group of articles, while the respective at least one support and / or push bar (6) glides along the respective group of articles with rear contact a sliding plate or along a support surface. Procedure according to Claim 1 or 2 , in which the at least one support and / or push bar (6) is guided along a circumferential movement path by means of at least one chain and / or belt drive formed in particular by an endless traction means (15, 17) and in the course of a guide along the circumferential movement path at the rear is brought into contact with the respective article group and is then in contact with the respective article group on the back during a continuous guidance along the circumferential movement path with regard to the direction of movement (BR) of the respective article group, while the application of the at least one packaging means (40) via the at least one manipulator (25, 35) takes place. Procedure according to Claim 3 , in which the at least one manipulator (25, 35) is designed as a component of at least one work module (20, 30), the periphery of which is supported by at least one carrying and / or support structure (22, 32) of the at least one work module (20, 30) is specified, and with which method it is provided that the chain and / or belt drive formed in particular by the at least one endless traction means (15, 17) runs in sections outside the periphery defined by the carrying and / or support structure (22, 32). Method according to one of the Claims 1 until 4th , in which the at least one manipulator (25, 35) is designed as a component of at least one work module (20, 30), the periphery of which is supported by at least one carrying and / or support structure (22, 32) of the at least one work module (20, 30) is specified, and in which method it is provided that the chain and / or belt drive formed in particular by at least one endless traction means (15, 17) at least partially outside and here partially above or in the vertical direction above the through the support and / or Support structure (22, 32) defined periphery runs. Procedure according to Claim 4 or 5 , in which a section of the at least one chain and / or belt drive, in particular formed by the endless traction means (15, 17), which runs outside the periphery defined by the carrying and / or support structure (22, 32), is inaccessible from the outside is guided through an enclosure or inaccessible from the outside through a channel. Method according to one of the Claims 1 until 6th , in which at least one first manipulator (25) and at least one second manipulator (35) are provided, wherein - the at least one first manipulator (25) and the at least one second manipulator (35) for applying several different packaging means (40) to a respective article group work together, and / or in which - the at least one first manipulator (25) and the at least one second manipulator (35) are assigned different article groups, the at least one first manipulator (25) applying at least one packaging means (40) to article groups which have been assigned to the at least one first manipulator (25) and wherein the at least one second manipulator (35) applies at least one packaging means (40) to article groups which have been assigned to the at least one second manipulator (35) and which method is provided, that the application of packaging means (40) via the at least one first Manipulator (25) and the at least one second manipulator (35) are carried out on the respective article group, while the respective at least one support and / or push bar (6) is in contact with the respective article group at the rear. Method according to one of the Claims 1 until 7th , in which the several articles (2) are formed by several beverage containers, and in which the at least one packaging means (40) is formed by at least one flat packaging blank (41) is designed, which provides a respective opening (42) for a respective beverage container of a respective beverage container group, and in which method it is provided that the at least one manipulator (25, 35) the respective at least one packaging means (41) formed by a flat packaging blank (41). 40) is applied to a respective beverage container group in the direction coming from above, so that the respective beverage container of a respective beverage container group is immersed in a respective opening (42), then held together in a form-fitting manner over the respective applied flat packaging blank (41) and over the respective applied flat Packaging blank (41) are combined to form a container (4). Method according to one of the Claims 1 until 8th , in which a formed group of articles moves onto a tray, the at least one manipulator (25, 35) subsequently applying the at least one packaging means (40) to the respective article group, the respective article group being still on the tray. Packaging device (1) for producing multiple articles (2) each having bundles (4), comprising the packaging device (1) - At least one horizontal conveyor as well - at least one manipulator (25, 35), wherein article groups can be moved via the at least one horizontal conveyor device into a work area (AP1, AP2) of the at least one manipulator (25, 35), and wherein the at least one manipulator (25, 35) is used to combine respective articles (2) of a respective one via the at least a horizontal conveyor device in its work area (AP1, AP2) moving article group can apply at least one packaging means (40) to the respective article group, and - At least one support and / or push bar (6) provided for rear contact with a respective group of articles, which at least one support and / or push bar (6) provided for rear contact with a respective group of articles is guided along a preferably circumferential movement path, which preferably circumferential movement path runs through the working area (AP1, AP2) of the at least one manipulator (25, 35). Packaging device according to Claim 10 , in which in the work area (AP1, AP2) of the at least one manipulator (25, 35) a pushing plate is positioned, along which pushing plate the at least one support and / or pushing beam (6) slides a respective group of articles through the work area ( AP1, AP2) of the at least one manipulator (25, 35) can slide. Packaging device according to Claim 10 or 11 , in which the at least one support and / or push bar (6) provided for rear contact with a respective group of articles is connected to at least one endless traction means (15, 17), preferably designed as a chain and / or belt, via which at least one is preferably used as a Chain and / or belt designed endless traction means (15, 17) of at least one support and / or push bar (6) provided for rear contact with a respective group of articles is guided along the preferably circulating movement path that passes through the work area (AP1, AP2) of the at least one manipulator (25, 35) runs. Packaging device according to one of the Claims 10 until 12th , in which the at least one manipulator (25, 35) is designed as a component of at least one work module (20, 30) of the packaging device (1), which at least one work module (20, 30) has at least one support and / or support structure that defines a periphery of the at least one work module (20, 30) and in which packaging device (1) the preferably circumferential movement path runs in sections outside the periphery defined by the at least one carrying and / or support structure (22, 32). Packaging device according to one of the Claims 10 until 13th , in which the at least one manipulator (25, 35) is designed as a component of at least one work module (20, 30) of the packaging device (1), which at least one work module (20, 30) has at least one support and / or support structure (22, 32), which defines a periphery of the at least one work module (20, 30) and in which packaging device (1) the preferably circumferential movement path in sections outside and here in sections above or in the vertical direction above the through the at least one support and / or Support structure (22, 32) defined periphery runs. Packaging device according to Claim 13 or 14th , in which a section of the preferably circumferential movement path running outside of the at least one carrying and / or support structure (22, 32) is formed by a housing formed as a component of the packaging device (1) or by a housing formed as a component of the packaging device (1) Canal runs. Packaging device according to one of the Claims 10 until 15th which comprises at least one first manipulator (25) and at least one second manipulator (35) which are connected to a control and / or regulating device (S), wherein - the at least one first manipulator (25) and the at least one second Manipulator (35) over the control and / or regulating device (S) for applying several different packaging means (40) to a respective group of articles can be actuated and / or controlled, and / or in which packaging device - the at least one first manipulator (25) and the at least one second manipulator (35) can be assigned to different article groups via the control and / or regulating device (S), it being provided that the at least one first manipulator (25) and the at least one second manipulator (35) by means of the control and / or or control device (S) for applying packaging means (40) to the different article groups assigned via the control and / or regulating device (S) can be actuated and it is provided that the at least one support element provided for rear contact with a respective article group and / or push bar (6) is guided along a preferably circumferential movement path, which preferably uml running trajectory runs both through a work area (AP1) of the at least one first manipulator (25) and through a work area (AP2) of the at least one second manipulator (35). Packaging device according to one of the Claims 10 until 16 , which is designed for the production of containers (4) each having a plurality of articles (2), in which containers (4) the articles (2) are formed by beverage containers, wherein - the at least one manipulator designed as flat packaging blanks (41) packaging means ( 40) can attach to article groups moving in its work area (AP1, AP2) under force, which flat packaging blanks (41) for each article (2) of a respective article group moved into its work area (AP1, AP2) via the at least one horizontal conveyor device (AP1, AP2) has an associated opening ( 42) own. Packaging device (1) for applying packaging means (40) to at least one group of articles, comprising - At least one support and / or push bar (6) provided for rear contact with a respective group of articles, - At least two work modules (20, 30), each comprising a manipulator (25, 35) for applying designed packaging means (40) to groups of articles moving in their respective work area (AP1, AP2), - With a guide for the support and / or push bar (6) being provided which, viewed in the direction of movement (BR), extends along at least both work areas (AP1, AP2) of the two work modules (20, 30). Method for applying packaging means (40) to at least one group of articles, comprising the following steps: - Pushing of article groups by means of support and / or push bars (6) resting on the rear of the article groups through two work modules (20, 30), each of which includes a manipulator (25, 35) with a respective work area (AP1, AP2), - Application of packaging means (40) by means of both manipulators in their respective work area (AP1, AP2) on the groups of articles moved by the support and / or push bars (6), - With a rear contact of the support and / or push bar (6) on an article group continuously through at least both work modules (20, 30) and work areas (AP1, AP2) by the same support and / or push bar (6).

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