DK177816B1

DK177816B1 - Method and apparatus for packaging signature bundles in paper or plastic film in a single stream on a conveyor

Info

Publication number: DK177816B1
Application number: DK201370035A
Authority: DK
Inventors: Jan Pedersen; Claus Henrik Dybdahl
Original assignee: Fk Distrib As
Priority date: 2013-01-23
Filing date: 2013-01-23
Publication date: 2014-08-11
Also published as: SE538839C2; SE1450057A1; DK177883B1; DK201470026A

Abstract

A group of consecutive bundles (10) of signatures is transported in a single stream on a conveyor (1) along the single path (1') passing at least one packaging station (5, 6) configured for packaging bundles (10) selectively in paper (20) or plastic film (7). There is provided an input list with digital data with information about of the bundles (10) in the group of consecutive bundles are to be packaged only with paper and which bundles in the group of consecutive bundles to be packaged only with plastic film. In accordance with the input list, there is switched between packaging bundles only in paper or only in plastic film by the at least one packaging station (5,6).

Description

Method and apparatus for packaging signature bundles in paper or plastic in a single stream on a conveyor

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for providing packaged bundles of signatures on a conveyor. Especially, the present invention relates to a conveyor comprising only a single path with at least one packaging station for selectively packaging the bundles with paper or plastic film, for example customized signature bundles.

Background of the Invention

In preparation processes for distribution of signatures, for example advertising material, magazines, newspapers with inserts, typically, the signatures are collated into bundles and wrapped in plastic film or, alternatively, in paper and, optionally, provided with a specific recipient address. The bundles may be individualised in dependence on the receiver and sorted according to demographic and/or geographic information. For example this sorting is done in order to satisfy the demands of geographical destination or even directed towards particular individual recipients, the latter including criteria as to interest, occupation and/or income. A prior art publication describing this is US6050057 by Buhrs-Zaandam.

The sorting and final packaging onto a pallet for further distribution may additionally be made in agreement with the correct postal distribution route in order to minimize efforts for the final delivery stage.

In order to provide fast and competitive delivery of such signature bundles, high-speed machines have been developed that can process between 10,000 and 30,000 bundles per hour. At this high speed, the process of collation and wrapping has to be performed very smoothly and with high precision in order not to disturb the flow of bundles through the machine. In order to assure such smooth operation, often, only one type of wrapping is used for a transport conveyer. This is explained in European patent application EP1681250 by CMC which with respect to earlier prior art refers to a wrapping machine with either paper, namely EP0480882 by CMC, or only plastic film, as in PCT/IB2004/003251 published as W02005/035367 by CMC. Also the above mentioned patent US6050057 by Buhrs-Zaandam only refers to paper wrapping or plastic film wrapping but does not disclose the possibility to select paper or plastic film for providing selectively wrapped bundles.

However, as part of the requirements for individually customized cohating and packaging, also the wrapping material may have to be tailored to the specific recipient. For this reason, prior art also contemplates signature cohating machines where the bundles selectively can be packaged in plastic film or paper or not wrapped at ah. In order to accomphsh high speed processing, streams of bundles are divided into sub-streams for wrapping or for not wrapping, before the sub-streams are again merged for further processing. Examples of such disclosures are patents US5025610 by Quad/Tech, as weh as US6269609 and US6415582 by Quad/Graphics. The patent US5706632 by Buhrs-Zaandam describes the option of having three sub-streams, one for paper, one for film, and one for no wrapping. The clear tendency is to divide main streams into sub-streams and merging these again, where the sub-streams are dedicated to wrapping or no wrapping or even with several sub-streams for different types of wrapping.

A different technical solution is found in US7325375 by Quad/Graphics, where different types of packages are provided into which the bundles are pushed, where the packaging and the products can be tailored to the recipient. However, this method of pushing products into packages, is not suitable for high speed packaging and not practical for signature bundles of various sizes. For the latter, wrapping is more suitable. In this prior art document, wrapping itself is only mentioned as conventional wrapping with either paper or plastic film.

Providing information on the package of a printed product is disclosed in US8120811 where ablation printing in several steps is disclosed. A final wrapper can be used for wrapping the bundle of signatures in poly wrap and/or paper wrapping. It is not explained whether the signature bundles can be wrapped by a combination of film and paper or whether the wrapping can be done selectively by paper or film; also, no examples are given of how this can be accomplished, especially at high speed, and it is not disclosed whether the paper or plastic wrapping is performed in dependence of a customizing process.

Thus, the prior art seems not to advice a high-speed method for customized wrapping in film or paper tailored to the recipient, unless multiple sub-streams are provided.

Object of the Invention

It is therefore the objective of the invention to provide an improvement in the art. It is a further objective of the invention to provide an apparatus and method for customized packaging, for example wrapping, of signature bundles in plastic film or paper tailored to the recipient without multiple sub-streams. Especially, the focus is on high-speed processing.

Description of the Invention

This objective is achieved with a method and apparatus for providing packaged bundles of signatures, for example advertising material, magazines, or newspapers with inserts, on a conveyor as described in the following.

The apparatus comprises a conveyor with a first location and a second location and only a single path of the conveyor between the first location and the second location, the second location being downstream of the first location with respect to a movement direction of the conveyor. Further, there is provided at least one packaging station, for example two packaging stations, between the first location and the second location. A group of consecutive bundles is transported in a single stream on the conveyor along the single path from the first location to the second location, such that each bundle arriving at the second location has also passed the first location and passed the at least one packaging station.

The at least one packaging station is configured for packaging bundles selectively in paper or plastic film. There is provided an input list with digital data with information about which of the bundles in the group are to be packaged only with paper, in order to provide a first subgroup where all bundles in the first subgroup are packaged with pa per, and which bundles in the group are to be packaged only with plastic film in order to provide a second subgroup where all bundles in the second subgroup are packaged with plastic film. In accordance with the input list, the method comprises packaging bundles only in paper, especially paper foil, or only in plastic film by the at least one packaging station.

For example, the apparatus comprises a control unit provided with digital data resembling an input list determining which bundles in the group to be packaged only with paper and which bundles in the group to be packaged only with plastic film. The control unit is functionally connected to the at least one packaging station for packaging bundles only in paper or only in plastic film by the at least one packaging station in accordance with the input list. Thereby, the group of consecutive bundles are provided at the second location such that some selected bundles of the group are only packaged in paper and some other selected are only packaged in plastic film. In other words, a first subgroup of the group of consecutive bundles is packaged only in paper and a second subgroup of the group of consecutive bundles is packaged only in plastic film by the at least one packaging station in accordance with the input list; thus, the group of consecutive bundles include the first and second subgroup at the second location.

Advantageously, such a machine is capable of delivering bundles at the second location alternately in paper and plastic foil, although such regular configuration of a single stream of bundles would normally not occur. Typically, there are a number of bundles in the single stream, for example less than 10 or less than 5 bundles, that are wrapped in paper, followed by a number of bundles, for example less than 10 or less than 5 bundles, that are wrapped in plastic foil, which in turn is followed by another number of bundles, for example less than 10 or less than 5 bundles, that are wrapped in paper. The number of subsequent bundles that are wrapped alike is typically irregular and depends on the specific delivery data from input list.

As an example, the method comprises transporting in the single stream on the conveyor a first, a second, and a third bundle, wherein the second bundle immediately follows the first bundle, and the third bundle follows the second bundle with at most 10 other bundles between the second and the third bundle, wherein the first and the third bundle are packaged only in paper and therefore are part of the first subgroup, and wherein the second bundle is packaged only in plastic film and is part of the second subgroup. Likewise, the vice versa situation is an example, where the first and third are packaged in plastic film and the second bundle in paper.

In some embodiments, the method comprises selectively activating and deactivating the at least one packaging station for also providing unpackaged bundles as a third subgroup in the group of consecutive bundles at the second location; the third subgroup with the unpackaged bundles is provided at the second location in addition to the first subgroup, in which the bundles are packaged only in paper by the at least one packaging station, and the second subgroup, in which the bundles are packaged only in plastic film by the at least one packaging station.

Alternatively, the bundles arriving at the second location are only bundles packaged in paper by the at least one packaging station and bundles packaged in plastic film by the at least one packaging station; thus, each bundle is packaged by the at least one packaging station, and none of the bundles are not packaged. Thus, the third subgroup does not exist in this embodiment.

In some embodiments, the at least one packaging station comprises a first packaging station and a second packaging station, provided one after the other in the single conveyor path between the first location and the second location. The first packaging station is providing only paper, and the second packaging station is providing only plastic film, or vice versa. In such case, the group of consecutive bundles is transported as a single stream on the conveyor along the single conveyor path and past the first and the second packaging station. According to the input list, the first and second packaging station are activated and deactivated, respectively, for example by the control unit, thereby switching between packaging the bundles selectively in only one of the first and second packaging station.

For example, the first packaging station is a paper wrapper and the second packaging station is a plastic film wrapper, or vice versa.

As a further option, the apparatus can be configured to wrap a bundle in paper as well as plastic foil. For example, it is possible to wrap the bundle first with paper and then the same bundle with plastic foil in addition to the paper wrap. This would provide a fourth subgroup at the second location in addition to the first and second subgroup, and optionally in addition to the third subgroup of unpackaged bundles.

It should be pointed out that the term “a first and a second packaging station” does not limit the invention to only two packaging stations. It is to be understood as “at least one first and at least one second packaging station”; further packaging stations can be provided of the same type as the first packaging station and/or of the same type as the second packaging station, or even of a third, different type.

Alternatively, the at least one packaging station comprises a single wrapper that can switch between paper and plastic film wrapping. As a further alternative, a plurality of such wrappers are provided, each wrapper being configured for switching between paper wrapping and plastic film wrapping.

As an even further alternative, the at least one packaging station provides paper envelopes or plastic film envelops into which the bundles are fed selectively. These envelops may be of different size in order to match the size of the bundles, for example individually customized bundles. If the envelops are made of plastic film, this film may be shrinkable and exposed to heat in order to shrink fit the plastic foil to the bundle. Typically, however, a wrapper is used for paper packaging and a wrapper for foil packaging.

In some embodiments, the paper packaging station is (or stations are) configured not to entirely cover the bundle with a paper cover, but rather provide a partial wrap as a folder around one edge of the bundle. Optionally, the paper is provided as a paper sheet and the method comprises folding the sheet around en edge of the bundle with a first part of the sheet being provided on the upper side of the bundle and another part of the sheet on the lower side of the bundle. For example, the sheet is folded with approximately one half on the upper side of the bundle and approximately one half on the lower side of the bundle.

The film packaging station is (or stations are) typically configured to entirely wrap the bundle with a film around it. For example, the film is wrapped around the bundle, welded or glued into a sealed enclosure and, potentially, also exposed to heating for crimping of the film into a tight, sealed enclosure around the bundle.

Typically, a number of such bundles, for example between 5 and 50 or between 10 and 30 are assembled in a stacker with a band around the assembled stack. For example, such a stack could have a height of between 10 and 30 cm for convenient distribution. The assembled stack would typically contain some of the bundles packaged in paper (first subgroup) in addition to some bundles packaged in plastic film (second subgroup). Optionally, the assembled stack could in addition contain bundles that are packaged in paper as well as plastic (fourth subgroup) and/or additional bundles without packaging of paper or plastic at all (third subgroup).

The data of the input list is advantageously stored in a digital database. Optionally, the input list in the database contains information about the recipient, for example address, main interest, and special wishes, such as preferred type of packaging material. The data of the input list may contain digital, coded information as to whether to include or to avoid a certain signature for the customized bundles in the stream.

For example the method and apparatus of the invention is used for transporting the bundles at a conveyor speed of at least 10,000 or at least 15,000 or at least 20,000 bundles per hour along the single path and through the packaging process. This requires a smooth and quick functioning of the packaging stations, because the time for packaging, for example wrapping, is typically less than a second, because 2-4 bundles pass a packaging station per second.

In case that multiple packaging stations for paper are provided, for example 2, 3, 4, 5, or more paper packaging stations, the paper packaging stations can, optionally, be used mutually intermittently such that consecutive bundles are packaged by different paper packaging stations. This reduces the requirements for packaging speed of each single paper packaging station. Likewise, in case that multiple packaging stations for plastic are provided, for example 2, 3, 4, 5, or more plastic film packaging stations, the plastic film packaging stations can, optionally, be used mutually intermittently such that consecutive bundles are packaged by different plastic film packaging stations.

For example, there is provided a plurality of paper or plastic film packaging stations one after the other and which are operated at periods being a multiple of the period between arrival times of bundles. As an example, the most downstream packaging station starts packing while the preceding packaging station is waiting for packaging the next bundle. The plurality of packaging stations may be combined with acceleration and/or deceleration conveyor sections in order to have enough time for packaging, on the one hand, and for safeguarding a smooth continuation of the stream of packaged bundles.

Optionally, the group of multiple paper packaging stations are all identical, or some of the paper packaging stations in the group are identical. Optionally, the group of multiple plastic film packaging stations are all identical, or some of the plastic film packaging stations in this group are identical.

The height of a bundle is typically between 5 and 45 mm, for example with a maximum height of 50 mm. The weight of a bundle depends on the number and dimensions of the signatures. Typically, the weight is restricted to 3 kg or 2 kg, although normally, the weight rarely exceeds 1 kg. In some practical embodiments, the method comprises providing a selection of bundles in the single stream of bundles, wherein the selected bundles have a height of more than 25 mm; for example between 25 mm and 50 mm.

In some embodiments, the input list is provided with identification data and individual characteristics of a plurality of recipients of the bundles. Accordingly, the apparatus is programmed for selectively packaging the bundles in the first or second packaging material in dependence on the individual characteristics.

Optionally, a printer is providing identification data of recipients on the bundles. In a practical embodiment, the control unit is functionally connected to the printer for controlling selective printing of identification data of recipients on the bundles.

Optionally, the input list comprises a sequence of identification data sorted in geographic distribution order, resembling a delivery sequence for the group of consecutive bundles. Accordingly, the apparatus is programmed for providing the group of consecutive bundles at the second location in agreement with the delivery sequence.

Optionally, the apparatus comprises a stacker configured for collecting the group of consecutive bundles in agreement with the delivery sequence and with some bundles only packaged in paper and some bundles only packaged in plastic film, corresponding to the first and second subgroup, respectively. Optionally, the stacker also receives bundles from the third and fourth subgroup, such that a stack can contain bundles from all four subgroups. For example, the bundles are finally packaged from the stacker onto a pallet for further distribution. Advantageously, the bundles are provided at the stacker and/or on the pallet sorted and in agreement with the correct postal distribution route in order to minimize efforts for the final delivery stage.

In order to collate signatures in bundles, optionally, a plurality of signature dispensers are provided upstream of the first location. Signatures are selected from the plurality of signature dispensers and collated into bundles. The selection of signatures for the bundles is dependent on the identification data and individual characteristics in the input list. For example, the control unit comprises a computer program with a processing step for determining individualized selection of signatures from the dispensers in accordance with the input list. Thereby, different, individualized bundles are provided in the group of consecutive bundles, the selection of signatures for the bundles being dependent on the identification data and individual characteristics in the input list.

Description of the Drawing FIG. 1 shows a principle of a finishing conveyor; FIG. 2 shows a finishing conveyor line with stations for paper covers and film wrapping; FIG. 3 shows the plastic film wrapper in greater detail; FIG. 4 illustrates a paper wrapper in greater detail; FIG. 5 shows a suction cup of the paper wrapper in greater detail; FIG. 6 is s principal sketch of an optional bundle with paper wrap.

Detailed Description of the Invention FIG. 1 shows a principle of an apparatus for providing packaged signature bundles 10, for example containing newspapers, journals, advertisements, or combinations thereof. The apparatus comprises a conveyor 1 with a single conveyor path 1’ for continuous transport of signature bundles 10 in a single stream on the conveyor 1 along the single conveyor path 1’. A plurality of signature dispensers 4 are provided in the upstream part of the single conveyor path 1’. In the single conveyor path 1’, between a first location 21 and a second location 22, a first packaging station 5, for example a paper wrapper, and a second packaging station 6, for example a plastic film wrapper, are provided one after the other. The first packaging station 5 provides a first packaging material, and the second packaging station 6 provides a second packaging material. For example, the first packaging material is paper and the second is plastic film, or vice versa. Alternatively, there may be provided a single packaging station capable of selectively providing different types of packaging material.

A control unit 16 is provided with digital data resembling an input list determining which bundles 10 to be provided with the first or the second packaging material. The control unit 16 is functionally connected to the first 5 and second 6 packaging station in order to provide instructions to the first 5 and second 6 packaging station for selective wrapping of a bundle 10. Optionally, the control 16 unit may be programmed to select for each bundle one of the following: - only the first package material, - only the second package material, - both the first package material and the second packaging material, or - none of them.

Corresponding instructions are submitted for respectively activating or deactivating the first and second packaging stations 5, 6, as the bundles 10 pass by.

At the end of the single conveyor path Γ, there is provided a stacker 11 for collecting the bundles as a preparation step for delivery of the packaged bundles to the recipients. A stack is typically assembled and a stabilizing band is arranged around the stack.

In some embodiments, the input list in the control unit 16 comprises identification data and individual characteristics of a plurality of recipients of the bundles 10. In this case, the bundles 10 are packaged in the first or second packaging material in dependence on the individual characteristics. A printing unit 17, for example an ink jet printer, provides identification data of recipients on the bundles. For example, the input list comprises a sequence of identification data sorted in geographic distribution order resembling a delivery sequence for the bundles 10. Once the bundles 10 arrive at the stacker 11, they are already in agreement with the delivery sequence ready for packing on a pallet and transport to the geographical area where the bundles are distributed.

FIG. 2 shows a practical example of a finishing conveyor 1 with a lower belt 2 and upper belts 3 between which bundles of signatures are to be transported. The transport direction 26 is from right to left. Signatures are collated from a plurality of signature dispensers 4, of which three are shown, although, there are typically more than three. As shown, the single conveyor path also extends upstream to a number of dispensers 4 for providing bundles of signatures.

During the collation, addition of a signature from a certain dispenser 4 to a bundle 10 of signatures is determined by data from a database in order to provide customized bundles. The database contains information about the recipient, for example address, main interest, and special wishes, such as type of packaging material. The data may contain coded information to include or to avoid a certain signature for the customized bundles in the stream.

The conveyor line is further equipped with two paper wrappers 5, and one film wrapper 6. Depending on the information from the database, a customized bundle 10 is wrapped in paper, or a bundle 10 is wrapped in plastic film. Although, the system allows both paper wrapping and subsequent plastic film wrapping of the same bundle, this is not desired in most situations. The paper wrappers 5 and the film wrapper 6 are provided as part of a single conveyor path that is transporting signature bundles after collation. The number of paper wrappers 5 can be more than the illustrated two paper wrappers for covering the bundles with papers. The number of plastic film wrappers 6 for providing plastic film around the bundle can also more than one.

Typically, a bundle 10 is either wrapped in paper or plastic film, although, in an alternative embodiment, it is also possible to let bundles in the stream pass through the packaging stations 5, 6 without paper packaging or film wrapping. Such bundles would arrive at the stacker and be stacked together with paper wrapped bundles and plastic foil wrapped bundles.

The paper wrappers 5 are typically configured not to entirely cover the bundle with a paper cover, but rather provide a partial wrap as a folder around one edge of the bundle. The film wrapper 6 is configures to entirely wrap the bundle with a film around it. For example, the film is wrapped around the bundle 10, welded or glued into a sealed enclosure and, potentially, also exposed to heating for crimping of the film into a tight, sealed enclosure around the bundle.

The speed of the transportation of the signatures is advantageously at least 10,000 bundles in an hour, for example at least 15,000, at least 20,000, or even at least 25,000 bundles per hour. This is a high speed and very demanding with respect to technology for smooth running of the bundles through the system. The switch between paper packaging, for example paper wrapping, and plastic film packaging, for example plastic film wrapping, must be precise and quick, and the paper packaging and the film packaging must be both quick enough for not causing a delay of the stream of bundles.

For this reason, the paper packaging stations can, optionally, be used mutually intermittently such that consecutive bundles are packaged by different paper packaging stations. In order to assure enough time for wrapping and secure a high speed stream, accelerating and/or decelerating conveyor sections may be provided in combination with the packaging stations.

FIG. 3 illustrates the film wrapper 6 in more detail. A role 7 of plastic film 12 is transported over an assembly 8 of rollers (rollers not shown) to a region 9 where the bun dies pass between an upper belt conveyer 13 and a lower belt conveyer 14. The film extends across this region between the upper 13 and lower 14 belt conveyers. Thus, when the bundles pass through the region 9, they will be enclosed with film that is cut by a cutter 15 and subsequently welded, for example ultrasonic welded, or glued into a sealed enclosure. Guide belts 28 safeguard a proper transport of the plastic film 12. Optionally, after wrapping, the plastic film 12 is exposed to crimping in a subsequent heating station (not shown).

If a bundle 10 is not to be wrapped in film, the region 9 is not containing film 12, and the bundles can pass freely without film wrapping. In this case, the supply of film from the role is stopped after cutting with cutter 15.

FIG. 4 shows a paper wrapper 5 in greater detail. The paper wrapper 5 comprises a platform 18 on which a pile 19 of sheets 20 of paper for wrapping are provided. In order to wrap a bundle in paper, a sheet 20 is withdrawn from beneath the pile 19 by a number of suction arms 23 and then transported vertically downwards by rollers 24 such that the sheet has approximately equal parts above and below the level at which the bundles are transported. Typically, a bundle is between 5 and 50 mm high, and the vertical length of the vertical sheet is typically between 20 and 60 cm, depending on the height of the bundle and the size of the signatures 25 (see Fig 6). For example, the paper sheets are A4 or A3 size. When the sheet 20 is in vertical orientation, a bundle is advanced to hit the sheet 20, and during further advancing the bundle, the sheet 20 is folded with approximately one half 20’ on the upper side of the bundle 10 and approximately one half 20” on the lower side of the bundle 10. This is illustrated in Fig 6, where the height of the bundle 10 of signatures 25 is exaggerated for sake of illustration.

FIG. 5 illustrates the suction arm 23 in greater detail, where a suction cup 27 is provided on the end of the suction arm in order to pull a sheet 20 from the lower side of the pile 19.

When wrapping in plastic foil, the entire bundle is typically covered and the plastic film is welded or glued at the edges in order to seal the plastic film into a closed bag. The principle of the wrapper for plastic foil, as illustrated in FIG. 3 can be constructed similar to the paper wrapper, however, with the difference of not having such kind of suction arms 23 and a roll 7 instead of the pile 19 of paper sheets 20.

Claims

A method of providing sheet bundles on a conveyor (1); wherein the conveyor (1) comprises a first place (1) and a second place (22) and only a single path (Γ) of the conveyor (1) between the first place (21) and the second place (22), where the second location (22) is downstream of the first location (21) relative to a direction of movement of the conveyor (1), and at least one packing station (5, 6) between the first location (21) and the second location (22); wherein the method comprises feeding a group of consecutive bundles (10) in a single stream to the conveyor (1) at a conveyor speed along one path (Γ) from the first location (21) to the second location (22), such that each bundle (10) arriving at the second location (22) has also passed the first location (21) and passed the at least one packing station (5, 6); characterized in that the conveyor is configured to pack bundles (10) optionally in paper (20) or plastic foil (7); wherein the at least one packing station (5, 6) comprises a first packing station (5) and a second packing station (6) provided one after the other in one conveyor path between the first place and the second place; wherein the first packing station (5) provides only paper (20) and the second packing station (6) only provides plastic film (7), or vice versa; or wherein the at least one packing station (5, 6) comprises a specific packing station capable of selectively providing different types of packing material wherein the various types of packing material are paper and plastic foil; the method comprises providing an input list of digital data indicating which bundles (10) of the group of consecutive bundles to be packaged only with paper (20) and which bundles of the group of consecutive bundles which must be packed with plastic wrap (7); packing a first subgroup of the group of consecutive bundles (10) alone in paper and a second subgroup of the group of consecutive bundles in plastic film alone in accordance with the input list and providing the group of consecutive bundles (10) comprising the first and second subgroups in the second place (22).

The method of claim 1, wherein the method comprises selectively activating and deactivating the at least one packing station (5, 6) in addition to providing a third subset of unpacked bundles as part of the group of consecutive bundles (10) at the second location. (22) in addition to the first and second subgroups.

The method of claim 1, wherein the bundles (10) arriving at the second location (22) are bundles only from the first and second subgroups.

The method of any preceding claim, wherein the at least one packing station (5, 6) comprises a first packing station (5) and a second packing station (6) provided one after the other in the conveyor path between the first place and the second place; wherein the first packing station (5) only provides paper (20) and the second packing station (6) only provides plastic phobia (7), or vice versa; wherein the method comprises passing the successive bundles (10) on the conveyor (1) along one conveyor path (F) and past the first (5) and the second (6) packing station; according to the inputhstone activation and deactivation of the first (5) and the second (6) packing stations, and thereby selectively switching between packing the bundles (10) only at one of the first (5) and second (6) packing stations.

The method of claim 4, wherein the first packing station (5) is a paper wrap and the second packing station (6) is a plastic wrap, or vice versa.

A method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the method comprises passing the successive bundles (10) past the at least one packing station (5, 6) at a conveyor speed of at least 10,000 bundles per hour along one of the webs (F) and packing the group of consecutive bundles at a rate of at least 10,000 bundles per hour with the at least one packing station (5, 6).

A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the method comprises feeding in one stream to the conveyor (1) a first, second and third bundles, wherein the second bundle immediately follows the first bundle and the third bundle follows the first bundle with a maximum of 10 second bundles between the second and third bundles, wherein the first and third bundles are packaged in paper only (20) and are therefore part of the first subset, and wherein the second bundle is packaged in plastic film alone (7) and is part of the other subgroup, or vice versa.

A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the paper is provided as a sheet of paper and the method comprises folding the sheet around an edge of the bundle (10) with a first portion (20 ') of the sheet provided on the top of the bundle (10) and another portion (20 ”) of the sheet on the underside of the bundle (10).

A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the method comprises providing the input list of identification data and individual characteristics of a plurality of receivers of the bundles (10), which individual characteristics contain information as to whether a bundle for a specific recipient should be packaged in the first (20) or the second (7) wrapping material; selectively packing the bundles in the first or second packing material, depending on the individual characteristics, and providing recipient identification data on the bundles.

The method of claim 9, wherein the input list comprises a sequence of identification data sorted in geographical distribution order, corresponding to a delivery order for the group of consecutive bundles, and wherein the method comprises providing the group of consecutive bundles at the second location (22). corresponding to the order of delivery.

The method of claim 10, wherein the method comprises assembling the group of consecutive bundles (10) onto a stacker (11) corresponding to the delivery order, wherein some bundles are packaged only in paper (20) and some bundles are packaged only in plastic foil ( 7).

The method of claim 10 or 11, wherein a plurality of sheet dispensers (4) are provided upstream of the first site (21), and the method comprises selecting sheets from the plurality of sheet dispensers (4) to provide various individualized bundles (10). ) of sheets (25) in the group of consecutive bundles, where the selection of the sheets for the bundles depends on the identification data and individual characteristics of the input list.

13. Apparatus for providing packed bundles of sheets on a conveyor (1); wherein the conveyor (1) comprises a first place (1) and a second place (22) and only a single path (Γ) of the conveyor (1) between the first place (21) and the second place (22), where the second location (22) is downstream of the first location (21) relative to a direction of movement of the conveyor (1), and at least one packing station (5, 6) between the first location (21) and the second location (22); wherein the apparatus is configured to convey a group of consecutive bundles (10) in a single stream on the conveyor (1) along one path (Γ) from the first location (21) to the second location (22) such that each bundle (10) arriving at the second location (22) has also passed the first location (21) and passed the at least one packing station (5, 6); characterized in that the apparatus comprises a control unit (16) provided with digital data corresponding to an input list which determines which bundles (10) in the group of consecutive bundles to be packed only with paper (20) and which bundles in the group of consecutive bundles to be wrapped only with plastic wrap (7); the control unit (16) is operably connected to the at least one packing station (5, 6) for packing bundles (10) only in paper (20) or only in plastic foil (7) with the at least one packing station (5, 6) in accordance with the input list, thereby providing the group of consecutive bundles (10) at the second location (22), with some bundles in the group wrapped in paper alone (20) and some in plastic wrap alone (7); wherein the at least one packing station (5, 6) comprises a first packing station (5) and a second packing station (6) provided one after another in the one conveyor path between the first place and the second place; wherein the first packing station (5) provides only paper (20) and the second packing station (6) only provides plastic film (7), or vice versa; or wherein the at least one packing station (5, 6) comprises a specific packing station capable of selectively providing different types of packing material wherein the various types of packing material are paper and plastic foil.

Apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the at least one packing station (5, 6) comprises a first packing station (5) and a second packing station (6) arranged one after the other in one conveyor path (Γ) between the first place (21) and the second site (22); wherein the first packing station (5) only provides paper (20) and the second packing station (6) only provides plastic phobia (7), or vice versa; wherein the controller (16) is configured to activate and deactivate according to the input list of the first (5) and the second (6) packing stations, respectively, thereby selectively switching between packing the bundles (10) in only one of the first and second (5) , 6) packing station.

The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the first packing station (5) is a paper wrapper (20) and the second packing station (6) is a plastic foil cover (7), or vice versa.

Apparatus according to any one of claims 13-15, wherein the conveyor (1) is configured to convey successive bundles (10) at a conveyor speed of at least 10,000 bundles per hour along one web and configured to pack at least 10,000 packed bundles. in class.

Apparatus according to any of claims 13-16, wherein the input list comprises identification data and individual characteristics of a plurality of receivers of the bundles, wherein the individual characteristics contain information as to whether a bundle for a specific recipient should be packaged in the first (20) or the second (7) wrapping material; and wherein the apparatus is programmed to selectively package the bundles in paper (20) or plastic phobia (7) with the at least one packaging station (5, 6), depending on the individual characteristics.

Apparatus according to claim 17, depending on claim 14 or 15, wherein the apparatus is configured to selectively either package the bundles (10) alone with the first packing station (5) or only with the second packing station (6) according to the input list.

The apparatus of claim 17 or 18, wherein the apparatus comprises a printer (17); wherein the controller (16) is functionally associated with the printer (17) for controlling selective printing of recipient identification data on the bundles (10).

The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the input list comprises a sequence of identification data sorted in geographical distribution order corresponding to a delivery order of the bundles (10), and the apparatus is programmed to provide the group of consecutive bundles at the second location corresponding to the delivery order. .

The method of claim 20, wherein the apparatus comprises a stacker and the apparatus is configured to assemble the group of consecutive bundles (10) corresponding to the delivery order, wherein some bundles are packaged only in paper (20) and some bundles are packaged only in plastic phobia (7).

The apparatus of any one of claims 19-21, wherein a plurality of sheet dispensers (4) are provided upstream of the first site (21) for selecting sheets of the plurality of sheet dispensers and collating the sheets (25) into bundles (10); wherein the controller (16) comprises a computer program having a process step for determining individualized selection of sheets (25) from the dispensers (4) in accordance with the input list for providing different, individualized bundles (10) in the group of consecutive bundles, wherein the selection of the sheets (25) to the bundles (10) are dependent on the identification data and individual characteristics of the input stone.