DE102009061730B3 - Device and method for producing containers and containers produced with the method - Google Patents

Abstract

Device (100) for producing bundles (92a, 92b, 96a, 96b) from bodies (10, 12, 14, 16), characterized in that the device (100) comprises an alignment unit (110) through which at least two bodies (10, 12, 14, 16) are rotatable along their longitudinal axis, a device for applying adhesive points to secure the bodies (10, 12, 14, 16) to one another and a device (112) for compressing and connecting the aligned bodies ( 10, 12, 14, 16), the bodies (10, 12, 14, 16) being blow molded PET bottles.

Description

The present invention relates to a device and a method for producing bundles and bundles produced according to the method with the features of the preambles of the independent claims.

A number of filled bodies, for example bottles, cans or similar packaged goods, are often combined in bundles for transport, storage and/or sale. For example, several bodies are brought together in completely sealed boxes in one processing step.

A further possibility consists in the use of so-called trays or pads on which the bodies, in particular bottles, are placed. In order to fix the plurality of bodies to one another, a film is additionally wrapped around and then thermally shrunk. However, the film can also be processed without using trays or pads, in a so-called "shrink-only" process.

A major disadvantage of the processes described is the necessary processing of additional packaging materials, i.e. the use of additional cost-intensive packaging material in connection with the associated packaging machines. Another particular disadvantage is the high energy consumption when shrinking the outer packaging in the shrink tunnel.

Out of DE 10 2004 047 830 A1 functional bodies are known which have connecting elements. This document shows a bottle with locking or snap closures, whereby several such bottles can be connected to constructive units, so that they can be transported and stored cheaply and can be used for a variety of purposes when empty. This means that the bodies can be easily collected and stacked when empty, and the latched connections can only be released with considerable effort.

DE 20 2005 019 327 U1 describes a body made of plastic with at least one groove running at least in a partial area of the fuselage, the depth of which is variable over the length. In the present case, the groove serves to absorb the pressure of carbonated beverages in order to avoid a highly visible deformation of the bottle.

GB 18 752 A shows a bottle with longitudinally arranged ribs intended to prevent the bottles from rolling, particularly when they are placed one on top of the other.

JP 52-96169 A shows a bottle with an octagonal outer cross-section and a circular inner cross-section, the octagonal outer cross-section enabling optimal tight packaging of multiple bottles.

U.S. Patent No. 5,002,199 shows an improved lightweight bottle that is stackable. The bottle preferably has a rectangular cross-section with parallel, oppositely arranged indentations or precisely fitting elevations, so that the bottles lying on top of one another can be stacked securely and in a space-saving manner.

The American Design U.S. D520 376 p shows a bottle shape that is comparable to a piece of a jigsaw puzzle and has circular indentations on two sides and corresponding circular projections on the other two sides. The bottles can thus be connected to one another in the manner of a jigsaw puzzle, so that when they are lying they represent one level.

WO 1990/008 068 A1 shows a bottle with at least two indentations along the outer surface of the bottle to create at least two handles to allow a baby or toddler to easily hold the bottle by themselves.

WO 2008/002 579 A2 describes interlocking plastic rectangular bodies with the side face having at least two moveable vacuum compartments. The shoulder region and lower portion of the body define an interlocking structure to allow nesting through the complementary surfaces of the adjacent bodies.

The disclosure document U.S. 4,089,357 describes a method and a device for producing a bundle by means of a ring equipped with adhesive.

The patent specification U.S. 7,198,070 describes the formation of containers in which the containers are aligned and then glued together.

The object of the present invention is to provide a device and a method by means of which bundles can be produced in a simple manner, in which preferably little or no additional enveloping packaging, in particular no outer packaging made of shrink film, is necessary.

This object is achieved by a device according to claim 1 and by a method according to claim 10 and by a container according to claim 20 produced by means of the method.

description

The present invention relates to a device and a method for producing containers from bodies.

The device according to the invention comprises an alignment unit, by means of which the at least two bodies can be rotated along their longitudinal axis. The device also includes a device for applying adhesive points to secure the bodies to one another and a device for pressing together and connecting the aligned bodies, which are designed as blow-molded PET bottles.

The method according to the invention provides that the bodies designed as blow-molded PET bottles are transported continuously on an endless conveyor. In this case, at least two bodies are aligned, with the bodies being rotated along their longitudinal axis. Furthermore, an adhesive point is applied to the bodies on the associated contact surfaces between the bodies. The bodies are grouped and combined into a first container by joining and pressing at least two bodies.

The bodies are connected to one another in a stable but detachable manner to form containers, with preferably no additional packaging material being required. The bodies are used in particular in the beverage industry.

A body used in the device and in the method has a base, a lateral surface and preferably a closure arranged on the upper side opposite the base. The closure can be a reclosable screw closure, a snap closure or the like, or else a non-reclosable disposable closure.

The lateral surface of the body and possibly also the bottom and/or the closure has a structure. The structuring of the lateral surface is arranged essentially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the body, with the longitudinal axis being aligned perpendicularly to the bottom of the body. The structuring of the lateral surface has connecting elements all around.

According to a preferred embodiment, the connecting elements are designed as ribs, with a groove being formed between each two ribs, which is shaped in such a way that a rib of a first body engages in such a groove of a second body in a form-fitting manner.

The ribs can be shaped in such a way that they are designed with or without an undercut. In a particularly preferred embodiment, an undercut is formed between the ribs and the groove. This enables a form-fitting, force-stable connection between a rib of a first body and a corresponding groove of a second body.

According to a further embodiment, no undercut is formed between the ribs and the groove. Thus, in general, only a form-fitting connection arises between a rib of a first body and a corresponding groove of a second body.

According to a further embodiment, an undercut occurs when the rib of a first body is pressed into the corresponding groove of a second body. This means that the body does not have an undercut in the manufactured state, this only occurs when two bodies are put together and connected, so that a non-positive connection is formed in turn.

The connecting elements can extend over the entire lateral surface of the body, or only over part of the same. According to one embodiment, the connecting elements only extend over an axial section of the lateral surface. According to a preferred embodiment, the connecting elements extend over an upper and over a lower axial section of the lateral surface, while the circumference of the body is reduced in the area in between, so that a kind of gripping area is created.

Furthermore, the connecting elements can have additional securing elements which are used to create a non-positive connection between at least two bodies. In particular, the securing elements can be designed as elevations and depressions, with the elevations preferably being arranged in the grooves and the depressions preferably being arranged on the ribs. According to a further embodiment, the elevations are preferably arranged on the ribs and the depressions are preferably arranged in the grooves. Furthermore, both at least one depression and at least one elevation can be arranged on the ribs, while corresponding securing elements are arranged in the grooves.

According to a further embodiment, the body can have a shoulder at the bottom and/or at the top. If two such bodies are connected to one another, the shoulder serves as a kind of stop that prevents the bodies from slipping axially relative to one another.

The bodies with or without an undercut are produced using conventional blow molding or stretch blow molding processes. For the production of bodies without an undercut in the area of the grooves, the conventionally known method can be used, in which the blow mold consists of two parts which are opened along an axis extending perpendicularly to the bottom of the body.

In contrast, a different blow mold would have to be used to produce bodies with an undercut in the area of the grooves. This blow mold consists, for example, of at least two parts which are opened transversely to an axis extending perpendicularly to the bottom of the body.

A further possibility consists in the use of bodies which, in the manufactured state, initially have no undercut in the area of the grooves, but in which the undercut only occurs when the bodies are pressed together. In particular, the undercut only occurs when two such bodies are positively connected to one another, so that a non-positive connection is produced at the same time.

A positive side effect of the present invention is that due to the shape, the bodies have a special stability, so that particularly thin-walled bottles can be produced.

The present invention also relates to containers that consist of a combination of at least two bodies, the bodies consisting of a base, a top and a lateral surface, the lateral surface preferably having a structure with connecting elements arranged all around, which are essentially parallel to a Longitudinal axis of the body are arranged, wherein the longitudinal axis is oriented perpendicular to the bottom of the body.

The connecting elements are preferably designed as ribs with intermediate grooves with or without an undercut and extend at least over an axial section of the lateral surface.

The connecting elements of the bodies combined to form bundles can have further security elements, in particular in the form of elevations and depressions.

Furthermore, the bodies to be combined into bundles can have so-called shoulders or projections on the bottom and/or in the upper region, which prevent the connected bodies from slipping axially.

According to a further embodiment, adhesive points are arranged between the bodies, which also serve to prevent the bodies from slipping axially relative to one another.

A further embodiment provides that the at least two combined bodies are additionally secured by means of a banderole. If bodies are combined in which the connecting elements only extend over an upper and a lower area, so that a handle area that is arranged largely in the middle is formed, then the banderole is preferably attached in this unstructured area.

According to a further embodiment, the container has a handle. The handle consists of at least one attachment area and at least one holding area. The fastening area is preferably such that it engages between the connecting elements, in particular in a groove between two ribs, in a positive and non-positive manner.

According to one embodiment, the handle consists of a molded part, in particular an injection molded part or the like, and has two fastening areas and a holding area, the width of which corresponds to approximately twice the circumference of the body to be held together. The fastening areas are preferably of cylindrical design. but it is also conceivable that the handle serves to encompass three or more containers arranged in a row. The width of the holding area must then be adjusted accordingly.

According to a further embodiment, a handle consists of two largely cylindrical fastening areas and a holding area in the form of a film strip, a cord or the like arranged between them.

The handle is easy to attach by attaching one attachment area between two connecting elements of a first body and the other attachment area between two connecting elements of a second body, in particular clipping it in, with the first and second bodies being connected to one another in a positive and preferably also non-positive manner. When the handle is attached, it forms with the Bodies a stable transport unit, the connection between the handle and the bodies is detachable.

A container consisting of the bodies described above with or without the handle described has the particular advantage that no additional material is required, since no outer packaging in the form of a film, a cardboard box, etc. is required. This eliminates the need for time-consuming, energy-consuming and costly packaging processes such as folding boxes and shrinking foils. This eliminates the need for certain devices such as the shrink tunnel. Banderoles or the like can be used for additional protection against axial displacement, but the resulting packaging costs are lower than, for example, when using outer packaging made of shrink film.

The device according to the invention is used to group bodies into stable, self-supporting containers, with the individual bodies being easily detachable from one another.

The device for producing bundles from bodies with structuring and connecting elements comprises an alignment unit and at least one sliding device.

The alignment unit rotates at least two bodies along its longitudinal axis, so that corresponding connecting elements of the two bodies are aligned in such a way that they can interact. The connecting elements of the two bodies are each aligned essentially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the body.

The at least one sliding device pushes the at least two bodies together so that the rib of the first body is pushed into the groove of the second body formed between two ribs, resulting in a positive and preferably also a non-positive connection between the two bodies. In this way, a first container is formed from at least two bodies.

According to a further embodiment, three or more bodies are aligned simultaneously by the alignment unit and then connected by at least one sliding device, so that linear bundles consisting of three or more similar bodies are created.

According to a further embodiment, the device has a second sliding device, which assembles the bodies connected by the first sliding device into a larger unit. In particular, this is a dividing and merging unit, for example in the form of an article divider. The desired number of first pack units produced by the first pushing device are arranged parallel to one another and pushed together. This in turn creates a positive and preferably also a non-positive connection between the bodies of the first pack units, as a result of which larger packs consisting of several rows of bodies are formed.

The alignment of the body by the alignment unit is controlled, for example, by image-recognizing systems that z. B. recognize the connecting elements of the body and generate corresponding signals that are transmitted to a control device, which in turn controls the alignment unit and thus controls the rotation of the body accordingly.

For example, two bodies are aligned at the same time by the alignment unit and are brought into a form fit by the first sliding unit, so that body pairs are formed. If three such pairs of bodies are now brought together and connected to one another, for example by clipping, using the dividing and merging unit, this results in classic six-packs with a rectangular outline.

According to a further embodiment, the alignment unit aligns three bodies at a time and the first sliding unit brings them into a form fit, so that linear triple units are created. If three such linear triple units are now brought together by the dividing and merging unit and connected to one another, for example by clipping, nine units with a square outline are produced.

For the person skilled in the art, further variations for the creation of larger containers are thus readily conceivable, and a corresponding representation is therefore dispensed with.

Furthermore, it is possible that, for example, three bodies are aligned and joined together by the first sliding unit in the form of a triangular unit. If two such triangular units are joined together using the second sliding unit, six-packs are created, the outline of which represents a parallelogram.

The division of the first pack units by the second sliding unit takes place according to the desired type of pack by means of so-called dividing rods, which are guided in a connecting link. The divider bars are preferably independent independently of each other via separate drives.

The device according to the invention for producing bundles comprises a device for applying splices. This device is, for example, associated with the first and/or the second sliding unit. The application of splices serves to additionally secure the bodies to one another--in particular against axial displacement--in a container assembled by the device described above.

The method according to the invention serves to group bodies with structuring and connecting elements into stable containers. As a first step, the method for producing bundles comprises aligning at least two bodies, with the bodies being rotated along their longitudinal axis. The bodies are preferably rotated by means of an alignment unit in such a way that corresponding connecting elements of the at least two bodies are aligned in such a way that interacting connecting elements are arranged opposite one another. The connecting elements of the body are aligned essentially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the body and preferably consist of ribs and grooves arranged in between, the grooves being shaped in such a way that a rib of a first body engages positively and preferably also non-positively in a groove of the second body can.

In the context of the method according to the invention, adhesive points are applied to the bodies, specifically on contact surfaces between the bodies. The additional gluing of the bodies together is mainly used to secure against axial slipping.

After the bodies have been grouped accordingly, they are joined together so that the connecting elements of the at least two bodies arranged opposite one another engage in a form-fitting manner. A first container consisting of at least two bodies is produced by these method steps.

According to a further embodiment, the method comprises a further step in which at least two first bundles are divided into a second bundle and joined together. A large number of possibilities are conceivable here, some of which were discussed in connection with the device for producing bundles and whose repeated description can be dispensed with.

According to a further embodiment, the bodies can also be assembled in cycles using a robot. In particular, the connecting elements of at least two bodies can be joined together in the axial direction.

The connecting elements are in turn preferably designed as ribs or corresponding grooves. In the method according to this embodiment, at least one rib of the first body is pushed into at least one groove of the second body. This method is particularly suitable for bodies with connecting elements with a pronounced undercut, since the ribs do not have to be clipped into the corresponding grooves and a positive and non-positive connection is nevertheless produced between the two bodies.

• 1a und b zeigen eine erste Ausführungsform eines für das erfindungsgemäße Verfahren verwendeten Körpers;
• 2 zeigt eine zweite Ausführungsform eines für das erfindungsgemäße Verfahren verwendeten Körpers;
• 3 zeigt eine dritte Ausführungsform eines für das erfindungsgemäße Verfahren verwendeten Körpers;
• 4 zeigt eine vierte Ausführungsform eines für das erfindungsgemäße Verfahren verwendeten Körpers;
• 5a und b zeigen das Ineinandergreifen zweier Körper gemäß der in 3 gezeigten dritten Ausführungsform;
• 6a bis d zeigen verschiedene Ansichten eines Gebindes bestehend aus sechs Körpern gemäß dem in 2 dargestellten zweiten Ausführungsbeispiel;
• 7a und b zeigen jeweils ein Gebinde bestehend aus sechs Körpern gemäß dem in 4 dargestellten vierten Ausführungsbeispiel;
• 8a bis 8c zeigt einen Henkel zur Verwendung mit den für das erfindungsgemäße Verfahren verwendeten Körpern;
• 9 bis 11 zeigen verschiedene Ansichten einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung zum Gruppieren von Körpern zu Gebinden;
• 12 zeigt ein Detail der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung zum Gruppieren von Körpern zu Gebinden und
• 13 zeigt das axiale Zusammenfügen zweier Flaschen gemäß der in 2 dargestellten zweiten Ausführungsform.

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

• 1a and b show a first embodiment of a body used for the method according to the invention;
• 2 shows a second embodiment of a body used for the method according to the invention;
• 3 shows a third embodiment of a body used for the method according to the invention;
• 4 shows a fourth embodiment of a body used for the method according to the invention;
• 5a and b show the interlocking of two bodies according to in 3 shown third embodiment;
• 6a until i.e show different views of a bundle consisting of six bodies according to the in 2 illustrated second embodiment;
• 7a and b each show a container consisting of six bodies according to in 4 illustrated fourth embodiment;
• 8a until 8c Figure 1 shows a handle for use with the bodies used in the method of the invention;
• 9 until 11 show different views of a device according to the invention for grouping bodies into bundles;
• 12 shows a detail of the device according to the invention for grouping bodies into bundles and
• 13 shows the axial joining of two bottles according to the in 2 illustrated second embodiment.

Identical reference symbols are used for elements of the invention that are the same or have the same effect. Furthermore, for the sake of clarity, only reference symbols are shown in the individual figures that are necessary for the description of the respective figure. The illustrated embodiments only represent examples of how the body, the container, the device according to the invention or the method according to the invention can be designed and do not represent any final limitation.

1a and 1b show a first embodiment of a body used for the method according to the invention. This is a specially shaped bottle 10 with a base area 50 and an upper area 51, with a closure 2 being arranged in the upper area 51 and with the bottle 10 having a structure along a longitudinal axis arranged perpendicular to the base 50 and with the structure connecting elements in the form of ribs 11a and grooves 11b arranged between two ribs, which extend over the entire length of the bottle 10 (cf. in particular 1a ).

The ribs 11a of a first body 10 are shaped in such a way that they can positively engage in the grooves 11b of a second body 10 (cf. also 5a and 6d ).

1b shows a top view of a bottle 10 and thus illustrates the cross section of such a bottle 10. It can be clearly seen that due to the described structuring with connecting elements, in particular with ribs 11a and grooves 11b, a gear wheel with a similar cross section is created, which is preferably in the area of the Grooves 11b has an undercut 22. This undercut 22 is advantageous for radially clipping multiple bottles 10 together in a form-fitting manner and thus creating a non-positive connection between at least two bottles 10 (cf. also 5a , 5b , 6a , 6b and 6d ).

The closure 2 is preferably a screw closure, but other closures, for example snap closures or the like, can also be used.

2 shows a second embodiment 12 of a body used for the method according to the invention. In this case, the gearwheel-like cross section extends over a lower and an upper area 32, 34 of the bottle height 31. Between the lower area 32 and the upper area 34 of the bottle height 31, the cross section of the bottle 12 is preferably circular, oval or ellipsoidal and compared to the Gear-like cross-section of the lower portion 32 and the upper portion 34 lower, so that a gripping area or a recessed grip 42 is formed, whereby an ergonomic gripping and holding of the bottle 12 is made possible by the user. In particular, the unstructured area 42 must have a smaller cross section than the structured areas 32, 34 so that the connecting elements in the form of ribs 13a and grooves 13b of the structured areas 32 and 34 of two bodies 12 can engage in one another.

3 shows a third embodiment 14 of a body used for the method according to the invention, with a recessed grip 44. This embodiment is similar to the second embodiment of a body 12 from FIG 2 with the difference that it has additional securing elements in the form of elevations 54a in the grooves 15b and depressions 54b in the ribs 15a. The elevations 54a and depressions 54b are designed in such a way that the elevations 54a of a first bottle 14 engage in a form-fitting manner in the depressions 54b of a second bottle 14, in particular are clipped together and form a stable, detachable connection. The elevations 54a and depressions 54b thus serve as additional securing means in order to produce a stable, detachable connection between two or more bottles 14 according to the third embodiment.

It is clear to a person skilled in the art that the arrangement of the elevations 54a and depressions 54b is not limited to the exemplary embodiment 14 shown. It is also conceivable that the elevations 54a are arranged on the outer radii of the ribs 15a and the depressions 54b on the inner radii of the grooves 15b. It is also obvious for a person skilled in the art to provide a bottle 10 according to the first embodiment with such elevations 54a or depressions 54b in the ribs 11a or grooves 11b.

4 shows a fourth embodiment 16 of a body used for the method according to the invention with a recessed grip 46, which in turn is a modification of the second embodiment 12 (cf. 2 ) represents. In this case, the ribs 17a in the lower area 32 and in the upper area 34 each taper in the direction of the recessed grip 46 . This allows the area of the recessed grip to be narrower be designed, the bottle 16 is still ergonomically advantageous to hold in the hand.

According to the embodiment shown here, the bottle 16 has a shoulder or stop 55 in the area of the bottom 50 of the bottle 16 and in the area of the top 51 of the bottle 16 opposite the grooves 17b. This stop 55 serves in particular to axially secure two bottles 16 that are connected to one another in a positive and non-positive manner.

It is also obvious for the person skilled in the art to design this embodiment 16 with elevations or depressions in accordance with 3 illustrated embodiment 14 for additional security, in particular to provide protection against axial slipping.

5a and 5b shows the interlocking of two bodies according to in 3 shown third embodiment 14. The figure clearly shows the additional elevations 54a which, together with a corresponding depression 54b in the region of the ribs 15a clipped into one another, form a positive-locking, detachable connection 60 between the two bottles 14.

6a until 6d each show a container 92a/b consisting of six bodies according to the 2 illustrated second embodiment 12. The bottles 12 in the container 92a according to 6a are clipped together in a detachable connection and are thereby held together. In the container according to 92b 6b the bottles 12 are additionally secured against axial slipping by an additional banderole 90. The banderole 90 can be, for example, cardboard or paper strips, and the banderole 90 can also consist of a strip of plastic film, in particular a self-adhesive label-like plastic strip, an elastic (rubber) band or the like.

In order to secure the bottles axially, in a container 92a according to 6a and 6c For example, an adhesive, in particular a hot-melt adhesive 60, can be applied along the rib 13a to be joined or dripped or sprayed onto the joint from above. Furthermore, the use of adhesive dots is possible, which are releasably connected to one another by the pressure generated when clipping the rib 13a into the corresponding depression or groove 13b.

According to the embodiments shown here are the body 10, 12, 14 and 16 according to 1 until 4 preferably provided with an undercut 22 so that - as in 6d shown by way of example - are simply clipped together to form containers 92a. If the bottles 12 have a cross-section similar to a gear wheel, but the depressions between the ribs 13a do not have an undercut, the bodies must be connected to one another by means of adhesive, a banderole or the like, since in this case only a positive connection is possible , but no non-positive connection is possible.

Furthermore, the bottles can have a shoulder design (cf. embodiment 16 in 4 ) that prevents the bottles from being displaced axially in relation to one another.

7a and 7b each show a container 96a/b consisting of six bodies according to the 4 illustrated fourth embodiment 16. The connection of the body 16 with each other corresponds to that in FIGS 6a until 6d shown embodiment, so that a repetition of the description can be dispensed with.

It is therefore clear to the person skilled in the art that corresponding bundles are also produced from bodies 10 and 14 according to the first and the third embodiment. Furthermore, the number of bottles that are combined in one container is not limited to six. Rather, bundles consisting preferably of two, four, eight or ten bodies are also conceivable. This should not only include containers with a rectangular base, but also those in which the bodies are arranged in such a way that the base represents a parallelogram. Furthermore, the invention should also include containers with an odd number of bodies, in particular three, five, seven or nine bodies, which are arranged, for example, in containers with a triangular base area, a hexagonal base area or the like.

Accordingly, it is clear to a person skilled in the art that the number of ribs 11a, 13a, 15a, 17a of the bodies 10, 12, 14 and 16 (cf. 1 until 4 ) is not limited to eight ribs 11a, 13a, 15a, 17a as illustrated in the illustrated embodiments 10, 12, 14 and 16. The number of ribs 11a, 13a, 15a, 17a is to be varied according to the desired composition of the container, the number of ribs 11a, 13a, 15a, 17a - and accordingly the number of grooves 11b, 13b, 15b, 17b lying between them - preferably will be between five and twelve.

8a Figure 12 shows a handle 80 for use with the bodies used in the method of the invention. The handle 80 is a molded part made of plastic with a holding area 82 and at least one attachment area 84. The attachment area 84 is like this shaped to fit between the ribs 11 of the bodies 10, 12, 14 and 16 (cf. 1 until 4 ) can be clipped in so that there is a firm, detachable connection.

8b and 8c show the use of the handle 80 according to 8a together with bodies 16 according to the in 4 illustrated fourth embodiment, wherein the handle 80 is clipped via its attachment areas 84 between the ribs 17a, ie in the grooves 17b, the bottles 16 releasably, so that the handle 80 can be easily removed by the buyer or user and the bottles 16 easily can be isolated.

According to a further embodiment (not shown), the handle consists of two cylinders or the like, which are connected to one another by means of a strip of cardboard or foil, a rope or the like, the cylinders being inserted into the recesses of the bottles 10, 12, 14, 16 engage and form a positive connection.

9 until 11 show different views of a device 100 according to the invention for creating bundles from bodies. The device 100 shown consists of an alignment unit 110, a first sliding device 112 and a second sliding device 114.

The bottles 12 according to the second embodiment 2 are transported in a continuous stream in the direction of transport 102. This is done, for example, with the help of an end release conveyor, on which the bottles are transported in a parallel stream. The bottles 12 are first rotated into the correct position for clipping in a clocked working flow by an alignment unit 110 in the form of an alignment head. In particular, the bottles are aligned so that the rib 13a of a first bottle 12 points in the direction of a groove 13b of a second bottle 12, so that when the bottles 12 are pressed together the rib 13a of the first bottle 12 can interact with the groove 13b of the second bottle 12 .

The bottles 12 are then transported, for example by means of a second endless conveyor, to a first pushing device 112, for example in the form of two pushers. The aligned pairs of bottles 12′ are pressed together transversely to the transport direction by means of the slides 112 and are thus connected to one another radially in a form-fitting manner to form a first container. The pairs of bottles 12' are then transported, for example by means of the second endless conveyor or by means of a third endless conveyor, to a second sliding device 114, a so-called dividing and merging unit, for example in the form of an article divider. The article divider 114 pushes the desired number of bottle pairs 12' together in the running direction and presses them together to form bundles 92a. In the present exemplary embodiment, three pairs of bottles 12' are pressed together by the article divider 114, so that classic six-packs 92a are produced. However, it is also conceivable that the article divider 114 sorts out, for example, two, four, etc. pairs 12' and presses them together so that a corresponding pack of four, eight, etc. is formed.

The slide 112, which is used to press the bottles 12 together to form pairs of bottles 12', is preferably designed in the form of a die stamp 113 which, for example, acts on the recessed grip 42 of the bottles. In particular, this prevents the bottles 12 from twisting again. In particular, it is intended to prevent the ribs 13a and grooves 13b previously aligned by means of the alignment unit 110 from twisting in relation to one another again, so that a positive and non-positive fit would not be possible.

It is also conceivable that only one active slide 112 is used and the first group of bottles 12' is produced by pushing the two bottles 12 against a rigid wall.

The division of the pairs of bottles 12 'by the item divider 114 according to the desired type of container is done with the help of so-called divider rods 120, which are guided in a connecting link 122 and can be moved via separate drives.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, bottles 12 are transported in a two-row flow; depending on the type and composition of the desired container, the bodies 10, 12, 14, 16 can also be transported in one, three rows, etc., for example.

12 shows an alignment unit 110 in the form of an alignment head of the device 100 according to the invention for grouping and assembling bodies 12 to form bundles 92a. The bodies 12 are gripped in an upper area, preferably on the closure 2, by a gripper 130 of the alignment head 110 and rotated so that they assume the correct position in order to be pushed together in the next step and clipped together via ribs 13a and corresponding grooves 13b be able.

The alignment of the bottles 12 in the alignment head 110 is checked, for example, by means of a detection device. Here can In particular, image-recognizing systems are used that detect the shape of the body 12, in particular the arrangement of the ribs 13a and grooves 13b. The image-recognizing systems process the information and pass it on to the grippers 130, which rotate the bodies 12 until the desired positioning of the ribs 13a and grooves 13b is achieved.

13 represents another method according to the invention for connecting bodies. This is the axial joining of two bottles according to the in 2 illustrated second embodiment 12.

In particular, the bottles 12 are assembled in a clocked manner in the axial direction 140 by a robot. In this case, it is not necessary to clip in the body 12; instead, the corresponding ribs 13a and grooves 13b are pushed into one another. This type of process is particularly advantageous for bottles that have a pronounced undercut, since no force is required to assemble them.

The invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments. However, it will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that modifications or variations can be made to the invention without departing from the scope of the following claims.

Reference List

2

closure

10

Bottle according to a first embodiment

11a

Fastener: rib

11b

Fastener: groove

12

Bottle according to a second embodiment

12'

Pair of bottles made up of bottles according to a second embodiment

14

Bottle according to a third embodiment

15a

Fastener: rib

15b

Fastener: groove

16

Bottle according to a fourth embodiment

17a

Fastener: rib

17b

Fastener: groove

22

undercut

32

lower area

34

upper area

42

unstructured area / grip area / recessed grip

44

unstructured area / grip area / recessed grip

46

unstructured area / grip area / recessed grip

50

floor

51

top

54a

Security element: elevation

54b

Securing element: indentation

55

heel / stop

60

hot glue

80

handle

90

banderole

92a/b

container

96a/b

container

100

Device for creating bundles

102

transport direction

110

Alignment unit / alignment head

112

First sliding device / slider

113

die stamp

114

Second sliding device / dividing and merging unit / article divider

120

divider rod

122

backdrop

130

gripper

Claims (26)

Device (100) for producing bundles (92a, 92b, 96a, 96b) from bodies (10, 12, 14, 16), characterized in that the device (100) comprises an alignment unit (110) through which at least two bodies (10, 12, 14, 16) are rotatable along their longitudinal axis, a device for applying adhesive points to secure the bodies (10, 12, 14, 16) to one another and a device (112) for compressing and connecting the aligned bodies ( 10, 12, 14, 16), the bodies (10, 12, 14, 16) being blow molded PET bottles. Device (100) according to claim 1 , wherein the device (100) comprises a device for applying splices. Device (100) according to claim 2 , wherein the device for applying the splices sprays splice dots. Device (100) according to one of Claims 1 until 3 , wherein an endless conveyor for transporting the body (10, 12, 14, 16) is arranged in front of the alignment unit (110). Device (100) according to claim 4 , wherein the endless conveyor transports the bodies (10, 12, 14, 16) in a two-row stream. Device (100) according to one of Claims 1 until 5 , wherein the alignment unit (110) comprises an alignment head. Device (100) according to claim 6 wherein the alignment head comprises a gripper (130) which grips the bodies (10, 12, 14, 16) in an upper region, preferably at the closure (2). Device (100) according to one of Claims 1 until 7 , wherein the device for compressing comprises a slide (112) which preferably engages on a recessed grip of the body (10, 12, 14, 16). Device (100) according to one of Claims 1 until 8th , wherein the alignment unit (110) is coupled to an image recognition which recognizes features of the body (10, 12, 14, 16) to be aligned via a control device, and wherein the control device controls the alignment unit (110) according to the signals received. Method for producing containers (92a, 92b, 96a, 96b) from bodies (10, 12, 14, 16) which are designed as blow-molded PET bottles, comprising the following steps: - continuous transport of the bodies (10, 12, 14, 16) on an endless conveyor, - aligning at least two bodies (10, 12, 14, 16), the bodies (10, 12, 14, 16) being rotated along their longitudinal axis, - Applying an adhesive point to the bodies (10, 12, 14, 16) on the associated contact surfaces between the bodies (10, 12, 14, 16), - Group the bodies (10, 12, 14, 16) and - Assembling and pressing at least two bodies (10, 12, 14, 16) to form a first container (12'). procedure after claim 10 , wherein dots of adhesive are sprayed onto the body (10, 12, 14, 16). procedure after claim 10 or 11 , The splices being applied before the bodies (10, 12, 14, 16) are joined together. Procedure according to one of Claims 10 until 12 , whereby the bodies (10, 12, 14, 16) are aligned according to their corresponding connection points. Method for producing containers (92a, 92b, 96a, 96b) according to one of Claims 10 until 13 , wherein at least two first bundles (12') are divided into a second bundle (92a, 96a) and joined together. procedure after claim 10 , whereby the PET bottles are produced using the stretch blow molding process. procedure after claim 10 or 15 , wherein the PET bottles are connected to one another in an upper section (34) and a lower section (32) and a recessed grip (42, 44, 46) with a smaller external cross section is located in between. Procedure according to one of Claims 10 until 16 , wherein three or more bodies (10, 12, 14, 16) are aligned simultaneously and then connected to each other. Procedure according to one of Claims 10 until 17 , whereby a pack of six with a rectangular outline is produced. Procedure according to one of Claims 10 until 18 , wherein a handle (80) is attached to the container. Container (92a, 92b, 96a, 96b), characterized in that it with a method according to one of Claims 10 until 19 was produced. Container (92a, 92b, 96a, 96b) according to claim 20 , consisting of a combination of at least two bodies (10, 12, 14, 16), which each have a bottom (50), a top (51) and a lateral surface, characterized in that the lateral surfaces of the bodies (10, 12, 14, 16) are each oriented substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the body (10, 12, 14, 16), and wherein the longitudinal axis is oriented perpendicular to the bottom of the body (10, 12, 14, 16), the bodies ( 10, 12, 14, 16) are blow molded PET bottles. Container (92a, 92b, 96a, 96b) according to claim 20 or 21 , wherein between the bodies (10, 12, 14, 16) splices (60) are arranged. Container (92a, 92b, 96a, 96b) according to one of claims 20 until 22 , wherein the container (92a, 92b, 96a, 96b) comprises a handle (80). Container (92a, 92b, 96a, 96b) according to Claim 23 , wherein the handle (80) comprises two attachment areas (84) and a holding area (82). Container (92a, 92b, 96a, 96b) according to Claim 24 , wherein the fastening areas (84) can each be fastened between two connecting elements (11a, 11b, 13a, 13b, 15a, 15b, 17a, 17b) of a body (10, 12, 14, 16). Container (92a, 92b, 96a, 96b) according to one of Claims 23 until 25 , The connection between the handle (80) and the body (10, 12, 14, 16) being detachable.

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