DE102015106759B4 - Packaging device for packaging containers in a packaging unit with a compartment - Google Patents

Abstract

Packaging device for packaging containers in a packaging unit with a compartment comprising at least: - a container gripping unit for transporting the container into the packaging unit (4), - an alignment element (8) for detecting and aligning the packaging unit (4) with at least two diametrically around the longitudinal axis arranged gripping arms (11) which are each mounted pivotably about an axis of rotation between an open position and a gripping position and in the gripping position for aligning the packaging unit (4) together attack a Gefacheknoten (15), characterized in dassein in the longitudinal axis direction of the Ausrichtelementes (8 ) movably mounted punch (10) for vertical placement on a surface of the Gefaches (5) and- a the punch (10) and the gripping arms (11) connecting coupling unit are arranged, wherein the coupling unit is designed such that upon an upward movement of the Stamp (10) in the longitudinal axis direction the Greifar pivot me (11) from the open position to the gripping position.

Description

The invention relates to a packaging device for packaging containers in a packaging unit with a compartment. Furthermore, the invention relates to an alignment element for aligning a packaging unit designed for container with compartments and a method for aligning a trained for receiving containers packaging unit with compartments.

Packing devices for packaging containers in a packaging unit with a compartment are, for example, from the DE 273 73 90 C2 , of the DE 298 13 169 U1 or even the WO 2007/124990 A1 known. In order to prevent damage to the packaging unit during insertion of the container, four sliding fingers are usually provided in each compartment of the compartment provided, which converge mostly funnel-shaped to Gefachboden and are movably mounted. After inserting the sliding fingers into the compartments, the containers are conveyed from above along the sliding fingers into the respective compartment. Subsequently, the sliding fingers are removed from the compartment and the packaging unit can be closed. Also from the US 5,392,587 A. Such a centering of the packaging units by means of paddle-like guide elements is known, these paddles invest in the introduction of a container in the corners of the compartments.

In addition is from the EP 2 181 926 B1 the centering of the packaging units by means of a laterally arranged on a centering cam receptacle known, which comes into engagement with a arranged on the container gripping cam in cam and thus causes a centering of the container to Zentrierrahmen.

The object of the invention is to provide a packaging device, an alignment element and a method for the particularly secure and simple alignment of packaging units with compartments.

The invention achieves the object by a packing device having the features of claim 1, an aligning element having the features of claim 9 and a method having the features of claim 10. Advantageous developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims. In this case, all the features described in principle or in any combination are fundamentally the subject of the invention, regardless of their summary in the claims or their dependency.

The inventive packaging device for packaging containers into a packaging unit with a compartment has at least one container gripping unit for transporting the containers into the packaging unit, an alignment element for detecting and aligning the packaging unit, in particular with respect to a central longitudinal axis of the alignment unit, with at least two diametrically arranged around a longitudinal axis Gripping arms, which are each pivotally mounted about an axis of rotation between an open position and a gripping position and attack together in the gripping position for aligning the packaging unit to a Gefacheknoten.

The core of the invention is the idea that for filling a packaging unit with compartments, the packaging unit by the gripping of the packaging unit in the region of a Gefacheknotens is particularly easy to move to a predetermined position and aligned. In this case, the inventive packing device with the aligning element advantageously makes it possible to align packaging units deviating from each other in their geometry without extensively converting the packing device. Thus, the alignment is especially easy to retrofit to existing packaging devices.

With the inventive packing device, unintentional damage to the packaging is reliably prevented, since the alignment element engages only a portion of the packaging unit and only one or two alignment elements per packaging unit must be arranged for aligning. In addition, the inventive packing device or the inventive aligning come from without complex control technology and are due to their simple mechanical structure inexpensive and reliable in operation. They also allow the use of heavily worn reusable packaging units.

A container gripping device is understood to mean a device which detects the containers, in particular bottles or cans, for example for drinks, and transports them from a container treatment system into the packaging unit. Container gripping units can in particular be packing heads, which have, for example, packing tulips for gripping (beverage) bottles.

Packaging units with compartments have in the space between the lateral outer walls a plurality of mostly regularly arranged transversely and longitudinally vertically oriented partitions, which are mutually, for example, arranged at right angles and form a fan system (compartments) of individual container compartments in the packaging unit. Packaging units may in particular boxes or boxes for beverage containers, eg. Beverage bottles or Cans, his. The packaging units consist, for example, of plastic or paper / cardboard.

The alignment element is to be understood as meaning a gripping element which detects the packaging unit and, during the detection, carries out an alignment of the packaging unit in a predetermined position. In this case, the alignment element aligns the packaging unit in particular to a central longitudinal axis of the alignment element, so that, for example, the central longitudinal axis and a vertical longitudinal axis of the device node lie one above the other.

The at least two arranged gripping arms are on opposite sides of the central longitudinal axis of the aligning element, i. diametrically around the longitudinal axis, arranged. In this case, the gripping arms are, for example, arranged with a first end on a base body of the alignment element and mounted rotatably about a rotation axis.

The open position is understood to mean a spread position of the gripper arms, in which a free ends of the gripper arms lying opposite the first end have the widest possible distance from one another.

By contrast, the gripping position is understood to be the opposite position of the gripper arms, in which the free ends of the gripper arms are arranged close to each other in the region of the central longitudinal axis, possibly adjacent to one another. The alignment element is designed such that abut in the gripping position, the free ends (gripping portions) of the gripping arms on a Gefacheknoten.

A splice node is understood to be the region of the compartment in which a longitudinal and a transverse wall meet one another and form an intersection point (edge). The engagement of the gripping arms takes place directly in the region of the Gefacheknotens or on the directly adjacent to the Gefacheknoten partition wall area. Both gripper arms engage the same fan node, i. they capture this together. They clamp the shingling knot between them, the gripping arms abut on different sides of the shingled node, starting from different compartments of the Gefaches.

Accordingly, the alignment element is designed such that the gripper arms or sections of the gripper arms are introduced into individual compartments of the compartment and, for example, engage with the outer ends against the compartment nodes or adjacent partition wall areas of the compartment. In this case, the gripping arms arranged diametrically opposite each other are basically introduced into two compartments adjoining one another via a corner of the compartment.

Anordbare gripping surfaces can be arranged in the region of the gripping portions, which are formed in particular as a planar system sections for application to the adjacent to the Gefacheknoten partition wall sections. In this case, the gripping surfaces, for example. At an angle of 90 ° to each other and each aligned at an angle of 45 ° to the direction of movement of the gripper arm.

According to a development of the invention, it is provided that a punch displaceably mounted in the longitudinal axis direction of the alignment element are arranged for placement on a surface of the packaging unit and a coupling unit connecting the punch and the gripping arms, wherein the coupling unit is designed such that upon movement of the punch pivot in the longitudinal axis direction, the gripping arms between the open position and the gripping position.

The stamp is for contact and for placement on an upper side of the packaging unit, in particular on a surface of the compartment eg. On the side edges of the vertically oriented partitions formed. The stamp can be arranged centrally between the gripping arms.

The movement of the stamp is generated in particular by the fact that the stamp rests on the surface of the packaging unit and the gripping arms are moved in the direction of the packaging unit into the compartment. In the gripping position, therefore, at least the gripper arm sections project beyond an underside of the punch.

The alignment element can be arranged on a separate receptacle, for example a robot arm, and placed on the packaging unit before the containers are introduced into the packaging unit and aligned with them. However, the alignment element is particularly preferably arranged on an underside of a centering unit for passing the containers into the packaging unit, wherein the centering unit is positioned above a packaging unit and between a waiting position in which the centering unit is spaced from the packaging unit and a filling position in which the centering unit moves in the direction the packaging unit is lowered, is movable. In the filling position, the gripper arms are in their gripping position and rest against the trimming knot, while the ram rests on the upper side of the packaging unit.

The centering unit may have a Zentriergefache which is aligned with the container gripping device. The alignment element is accordingly attached to the underside of the centering unit and arranged such that the longitudinal axis of the alignment element in extension of the Longitudinal axis of a Zentriergefacheknotens is arranged. The alignment element may be fixed in its relative position relative to the centering unit. Alternatively, the alignment element can also have an adjusting device, with which the alignment element, for example, about its (central) longitudinal axis is movable, whereby an individual rotation of the packaging units is made possible.

As already mentioned, when lowering the centering unit, the alignment element, and here in particular the stamp, is deposited on the upper side of the packaging unit, in particular on the side edges of the dividing walls of a planishing knot. Upon further lowering of the centering unit of the punch is inserted into the alignment and the coupling unit leads by the movement of the punch, the gripping arms in the direction of the longitudinal axis together and simultaneously into the interior of the Gefaches. As soon as the filling position of the centering unit has been reached, the gripper arms are in the gripping position and engage the framing node. By engaging the gripping arms on the jug node takes place an alignment movement of the packaging unit, so that the leading through the Gefacheknoten central longitudinal axis is in extension with the central longitudinal axis of the alignment over each other.

The arrangement of the alignment unit on the underside of the centering unit makes it possible advantageously to carry out the simultaneous positioning of the centering unit and the orientation of the packaging unit with a single lifting movement of the centering unit.

In order to enable the mobility of the punch in the longitudinal axis direction, according to a development of the invention, it is provided that the punch is movably mounted on a guide pin with a pin receptacle.

One of the pin receptacles or the guide pin can be connected to the punch, with the other pin receptacle or the guide pin being arranged on a base body of the aligning unit arranged above the punch in the longitudinal axis direction. The pin receiving and the guide pin allow a particularly simple and reliable guidance of the movably mounted punch.

After filling the packaging unit, the stamp is lifted from the surface of the packaging unit, so that the packaging unit can be transported out of the area of the container gripping device. In order to ensure the return of the gripping arms of the gripping position in the open position, according to a development of the invention, that the pin receiving pressurized, in particular spring-mounted on the guide pin is arranged.

Under a pressurization is understood that the pin and the pin receptacle are drivingly driven apart. This can be done, for example, via a pneumatic system, which is compressed when the punch is pushed up in the longitudinal axis direction. Particularly preferred, however, a compression spring is arranged between the pin receptacle and the pin, which pushes the pin out of the pin receptacle.

The arranged between the gripping arms punch can be designed over a large area to distribute the forces acting on it by the surface of the packaging unit pressure forces. In order to ensure that the free ends of the gripping arms can still lie together in the gripping position particularly close together, for example. Annually, is provided according to a development of the invention that the punch has recesses for receiving the gripping arms in the gripping position. The recesses are adapted to the geometry of the gripping arms and designed for insertion of the gripping arms.

The coupling unit connecting the punch and each gripping arm particularly preferably has, between the punch and each gripping arm, an articulated arm articulated to the gripping arm and articulated to the punch. The articulated arms may be rod-shaped, for example, formed with a rectangular cross-section. Also, two parallel juxtaposed articulated arms per gripping arm can be arranged. Each articulated arm is connected to a first end eg. Via a rotary joint with the gripping arm and with a second end opposite the first end, for example. Also connected via a rotary joint with the stamp. While the articulated arm is preferably coupled directly to the gripper arm via a pivot joint, the coupling unit in the region of the stamper in particular has a coupling ring which has receptacles for forming a pivot joint with the second end of the articulated arm.

The gripper arms are arranged in the filling position at least in sections with a gripping portion in the compartment and detect the Gefacheknoten. After filling, ie after the insertion of the containers into the individual compartments of the compartment, the gripping arms are released from the compartment node and the alignment element is led out of the compartment. Due to the coupling unit, a spreading movement of the gripping arms takes place in the direction of the opening position when lifting the alignment element. Especially with very large containers, it may happen that the gripping arms abut against the arranged in the packaging unit container during spreading. To prevent this, it is For example, it is possible to produce a delayed spreading movement of the gripping arms, for example, by a pneumatic unit in the area of the pin receptacle and the guide pin. However, each gripping arm particularly preferably has a joint for folding over the free end, in particular of the gripping section.

The joint may in particular be designed as a pivot joint and be arranged such that the free end of the gripping arm when lifting the alignment element hanging downwards, for example. Largely aligned parallel to the longitudinal axis of the alignment, while the disposed above the joint gripper arm, i. the present between the rotational axis and the joint gripping arm section performs the spreading movement and assumes an oblique position relative to the longitudinal axis of the alignment.

In principle, it is possible to achieve sufficient alignment of the packaging unit via at least two diametrically arranged gripping arms. In order to achieve a particularly secure alignment, in particular in the case of heavy packaging units, according to a development of the invention, four gripping arms are arranged on an aligning element, the gripping arms being oriented at right angles to one another.

The four gripper arms jointly engage, starting from four compartments forming a fan knot, on the fan knot, thereby increasing the force applied to the packaging unit and facilitating the alignment of the packaging unit.

Furthermore, the object of the invention is achieved by an aligning element for aligning a container formed for packaging unit with compartments having at least two pivotally mounted between an open position and a gripping position gripping arms, which are partially inserted into the compartment and designed to be in the gripping position together a Gefacheknoten capture and align the packaging unit.

The alignment allows in a particularly simple manner, the alignment of a packaging unit and the safe filling of these with containers. In addition, it reduces the risk of damaging the packaging unit, since for aligning the container and for safe filling of the container in the packaging unit not known in the art, in each compartment of the compartment a container insertion device must be introduced, but for each packaging unit only one or two alignment elements are arranged for aligning the packaging unit.

• - Aufsetzen eines Ausrichtelementes auf eine Oberseite der Verpackungseinheit,
• - Verschwenken von mindestens zwei diametral um eine Längsachse angeordneten und schwenkbar gelagerten Greifarmen von einer Öffnungsstellung in eine Greifstellung,
• - gleichzeitiges abschnittsweises Einführen jedes Greifarmes in jeweils ein Fach des Gefaches,
• - in der Greifstellung gemeinsames Ergreifen eines zwischen den Fächern angeordneten Gefacheknotens durch die Greifarme, wobei insbesondere durch das Ergreifen des Gefacheknotens eine Ausrichtung der Verpackungseinheit zu der Längsachse der Ausrichteinheit erfolgt.

Furthermore, the object of the invention is achieved by a method for aligning a packaging unit designed to introduce containers with compartments with the steps:

• Placing an alignment element on an upper side of the packaging unit,
• Pivoting of at least two gripping arms arranged diametrically around a longitudinal axis and pivotally mounted from an open position into a gripping position,
• simultaneous insertion of each gripping arm into one compartment of the compartment at a time,
• - In the gripping position common gripping a Gefacheknotens arranged between the subjects by the gripping arms, wherein in particular by the gripping of Gefacheknotens an alignment of the packaging unit is carried out to the longitudinal axis of the alignment.

The inventive method enables the particularly secure and easy gripping of packaging units and the particularly precise alignment of the packaging units with a particularly low number of attack points on each individual packaging unit. As a result, in particular the risk of damage to the packaging unit is minimized. In addition, due to the orientation of the packaging units on the Gefacheknoten different packaging geometries and materials can be edited by the alignment unit or the packing device without having to carry out a necessary conversion.

Overall, the aforementioned packing device or the method can be advantageously supplemented and extended to the effect that the alignment element has at least one sensor. The sensor has the function of a presence control for the packaging unit by the correct operation of the stamp is detected in the vertical direction and corresponding signals are sent to a control unit. Alternatively, the sensor can also detect the correct closing of one or more gripping arms, for example by means of pressure, strain and / or inductive displacement measurement of the spigot. From this, a certain quality assessment of the packaging unit with compartments would be carried out and evaluated.

In this way, an optional termination of the filling process would be impracticable with regard to the method, in particular in the event that no packaging unit or packaging unit with compartments that can be processed correctly is present.

Although some aspects have been described in the context of a device, it is understood It is that these aspects also represent a description of the corresponding method, so that a block or a component of a device is to be understood as a corresponding method step or as a feature of a method step. Similarly, aspects described in connection with or as a method step also represent a description of a corresponding block or detail or feature of a corresponding device.

Furthermore, the invention will be described in more detail with reference to several embodiments.

• 1 schematisch in einer perspektivischen Darstellung einen Ausschnitt aus einer Packvorrichtung mit einer Zentriereinheit, Verpackungseinheiten und Ausrichtelementen;
• 2 schematisch in einer perspektivischen Darstellung ein Ausrichtelement mit Greifarmen in einer Greifstellung;
• 3 schematisch in einer perspektivischen Darstellung ein Ausrichtelement in einer Öffnungsstellung;
• 4 schematisch in einem Querschnitt das Ausrichtelement aus 3 in einer Öffnungsstellung;
• 5 schematisch in einer perspektivischen Darstellung das Ausrichtelement mit vier Greifarmen in einer Greifstellung.

It shows:

• 1 schematically a perspective view of a section of a packing device with a centering unit, packaging units and alignment elements;
• 2 schematically in a perspective view an alignment with gripping arms in a gripping position;
• 3 schematically in a perspective view of an alignment in an open position;
• 4 schematically in a cross section of the alignment of 3 in an open position;
• 5 schematically in a perspective view of the alignment with four gripping arms in a gripping position.

1 schematically shows a perspective view of a section of a packing device (not shown here) with a centering unit 1 that has a centering frame 2 and one in the centering frame 2 arranged Zentriergefache 3 having. The centering unit 1 is arranged in the vertical direction (y-axis direction) movable in the packing device. The centering unit 1 is aligned with respect to a container gripping unit, not shown here, so that the container gripping unit the detected container (not shown here) for filling the packaging units 4 through the centering unit 1 into the below the centering unit 1 arranged packaging units 4 transported.

The packaging units 4 are here as boxes with compartments 5 shown. To ensure a particularly secure filling of the packaging units 4 To achieve that, you have to go through the compartment 5 formed container compartments 6 as exactly as possible with respect to the Zentriergefache 3 be aligned. For this are at the bottom 7 the centering unit 1 for every packaging unit 4 two alignment elements each 8th arranged. The centering unit 1 is in a waiting position spaced from the packaging units 4 shown. The alignment elements 8th are in an open position. The alignment elements 8th are so on the centering unit 1 arranged that a central longitudinal axis of the alignment unit 8th congruent to a longitudinal axis of a Zentriergefaches 3 is aligned.

For aligning the packaging units 4 opposite the centering unit 1 can the centering unit 1 vertically (y-direction) down towards the packaging units 4 be moved so that the alignment elements 8th with a stamp 10 (please refer 2 ) on top 9 the packaging unit 4 , here of the compartment 5 , put on. Once the stamp 10 has moved, it moves in the longitudinal axis direction (y-direction) upwards, ie opposite to the direction of movement of the centering unit 1 in the alignment unit 8th into it, causing the on a basic body twelve rotatably mounted gripping arms 11 in its gripping position on the central longitudinal axis A of the alignment unit 8th to pivot.

Because of a gripping arms 11 and the stamp 10 connecting coupling unit 19 (please refer 3 ) become the gripping arms 11 when pivoting in the gripping position with their gripping portions 14 into the compartment 5 introduced so that the gripping sections 14 in the closed gripping position of the alignment element 8th a weaving knot 15 have recorded.

The gripping arms 11 in the gripping position are in different over a corner adjacent container trays 6 introduced, so that the gripping arms 11 (or gripping sections 14 ) of an alignment element 8th one through both container compartments 6 formed weaving knot 15 take.

In the variant shown, the gripping sections 14 every gripper arm 11 two largely perpendicular to each other arranged gripping surfaces 16a . 16b on, the one on the weaving knots 15 adjacent sections of the partitions 17 be created so that due to the pressing force of the gripping arms 11 the packaging unit 4 moved and to the centering unit 1 be aligned.

The lowering movement of the centering unit 1 becomes with the concern of gripping sections 14 at the weaving knot 5 or on the adjacent partitions 17 and thus stopped when reaching the filling position. After centering the packaging units 4 become the container covered by the container gripping unit from the top through the Zentriergefache 3 the centering unit 1 performed and directly into the individual container cells 6 of the compartment 5 the packaging unit 4 introduced.

3 shows in perspective an embodiment of the alignment element 8th , The gripping arms 11 are each about a rotation axis 13 at one body twelve rotatably mounted. The Stamp 10 for placing on the packaging units 4 is central between the gripping arms 11 arranged. The Stamp 10 indicates the reception of the gripping arms 11 in the gripping position (see 5 ) Recesses 18 on. The recesses 18 ensure that the gripping arms 11 can be pivoted in their pivoting movement corresponding to close to the central longitudinal axis A to the partitions 17 of the compartment 5 capture.

Next shows 3 a coupling unit 19 with a stamp 10 arranged coupling ring 20 and between the coupling ring 20 and the gripper arm 11 arranged articulated arms 21 , Between each gripper arm 11 and the coupling ring 20 are each two parallel articulated arms 21 shown. The articulated arms 21 are each about a swivel joint 22 with a first end with the coupling ring 20 and with a second end opposite the first end with the gripping arm 11 articulated.

4 shows the alignment element 8th out 3 in a vertical cross-section. The gripping arms 11 are in an open position and rotatable about a rotation axis 13 with the main body twelve connected. The Stamp 10 is at a first end 22a a pin socket 22 arranged. At one the first end 22a opposite second end 22b is the coupling ring 20 with the pin holder 22 connected. In the pin holder 22 is a free end 23a a guide pin 23 introduced. spigot 23 and the pin holder 22 are formed to each other such that the guide pin 23 is insertable into the pin receptacle. Between the main body twelve and the pin receiving 22 is also a compression spring 24 arranged. The central longitudinal axes of the guide pin 23 , the pin take-off 22 and the stamp 10 lie on the central longitudinal axis A ,

For pivoting the gripper arms 11 around the axis of rotation 13 in direction B (shown here by arrows) on the central longitudinal axis A of the alignment element 8th to, the stamp becomes 10 with his stamp base 10a on top 9 the packaging unit 4 placed. Upon further lowering of the alignment element 8th for example, by lowering the centering unit 1 becomes the pin socket 22 against the force of the spring 24 on the cones 23 postponed. Due to the coupling unit 19 and the pivoting between the gripping arms 11 and the coupling ring 20 trained articulated arms 21 become the gripping arms 11 in the direction B on the longitudinal axis A too pivoted and at the same time in each case in a container compartment 6 of the compartment 5 introduced.

Once the gripping sections 14 the gripping arms 11 at the one weaving knot 5 (here the gripping surfaces 16a . 16b on the adjacent partitions 17 ), the downward movement becomes C (shown here by an arrow) stopped.

The gripping arms located in the gripping position 11 fix the packaging unit 4 and in particular in the embodiment shown by the concern of the gripping surfaces 16a . 16b on the partitions 17 an orientation of the packaging unit 4 or of the compartment 5 to the Zentriergefache 3 the centering unit 1 causes. These are the alignment elements 8th in particular with its longitudinal axis A exactly in extension of the longitudinal axis of the Zentriergefacheknoten (not shown here) arranged.

5 shows the alignment element 8th with four gripping arms 11 in a gripping position. It can be clearly seen that in each case two gripping arms 11 diametrically opposed to each other and the gripping arms 11 are arranged at right angles to each other. The Stamp 10 is in the direction of the main body twelve moved upwards so that the gripping section 14 over the bottom 10a of the stamp 10 protrude.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

centering

2

centering

3

Zentriergefache

4

Packaging Unit

5

partitions

6

container trade

7

Bottom centering unit

8th

aligning

9

Top edge of packaging unit

10

stamp

10a

Bottom stamp

11

claw arm

12

body

13

axis of rotation

14

cross section

15

Gefacheknoten

16a, 16b

gripping surfaces

17

partitions

18

Recess punch

19

coupling unit

20

coupling ring

21

articulated arm

22

pin receiver

23

spigot

23a

free end guide pin

24

compression spring

Claims (10)

Packaging device for packaging containers in a packaging unit with a compartment comprising at least: - a container gripping unit for transporting the container into the packaging unit (4), - an alignment element (8) for detecting and aligning the packaging unit (4) with at least two diametrically around the longitudinal axis arranged gripper arms (11), which are each mounted pivotably about an axis of rotation between an open position and a gripping position and - in the gripping position for aligning the packaging unit (4) together attack a Gefacheknoten (15), characterized in that a longitudinal axis of the Ausrichtelementes ( 8) movably mounted punch (10) for vertical placement on a surface of the Gefaches (5) and - a punch (10) and the gripping arms (11) connecting the coupling unit are arranged, - - the coupling unit is designed such that upon an upward movement of the punch (10) in the longitudinal axis direction the Swing gripper arms (11) from the open position to the gripping position. Packing device after Claim 1 , characterized in that - the alignment element is arranged on an underside of a centering unit (1) for passing the containers into the packaging unit (4) and - the centering unit (1) is arranged above a packaging unit (4) and between a waiting position in which the Centering unit (1) to the packaging unit (4) spaced, and a filling position in which the centering unit (1) is lowered to the packaging unit (4) is movable, wherein - the alignment element (8) in the filling position on an upper side of the packaging unit ( 4), in particular an upper edge of a Gefacheknotens (15), rests and gripping arms (11) detect the Gefacheknoten (15). Packing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the punch (10) with a pin receptacle (22) on a guide pin (23) is movably mounted. Packing device after Claim 3 characterized in that the pin receptacle (22) applied pressure, in particular spring-mounted on the pin is arranged. Packing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the punch (10) has recesses for receiving the gripping arms (11) in the gripping position. Packing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the coupling unit between the punch (10) and each gripping arm (11) has an articulated arm 21 hingedly connected to the gripping arm (11) and the punch (10). Packing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the gripping arm (11) has a hinge for folding over a free end of the gripper arm (11), in particular a gripping portion. Packing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that on the alignment element four gripping arms (11) are arranged, which are aligned at right angles to each other. Aligning element for centering a container formed for packaging unit with a compartment comprising at least two diametrically arranged around a longitudinal axis and pivotally mounted between an open position and a gripping position gripping arms (11), which in sections in the compartment (5) are inserted and adapted to, in the gripping position collectively a Gefacheknoten (15) to capture. Method for aligning a packaging unit designed to introduce containers with compartments, comprising the steps of: Placing an alignment element on an upper side of the packaging unit (4), Pivoting at least two gripping arms (11) disposed diametrically about a longitudinal axis from an open position into a gripping position, - Simultaneous insertion of a gripping portion of each gripping arm (11) in each case a compartment of the Gefaches (5), - In the gripping position common detection of an arranged between the subjects Gefacheknotens (15) by the gripping portions, wherein in particular by detecting the Gefacheknotens (15) alignment of the packaging unit (4) takes place to the longitudinal axis of the alignment.

Images