DE102016106265A1 - Method and device for packaging and / or grouping articles - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for packaging and / or grouping articles, in particular for forming containers, comprising at least the following steps: generating an article stream in a conveying direction; At least single-layer wrapping of the article stream by means of a stretchable film applied, in particular under tension, from which a film packaging of the articles moving endlessly in the conveying direction is formed, wherein - in a plane extending in particular perpendicular to the article stream, between articles adjacent in the conveying direction and / or groups of articles, the film is completely severed, wherein even before cutting the film targeted between adjacent articles and / or groups of articles this article flow an additional distance between adjacent articles is generated, and the film is then completely severed in the range of this additional distance, so the film, preferably automatically, at least places in places on side surfaces of the article and / or end faces of the container of articles.

Description

The present invention relates to a method for packaging and / or grouping articles, in particular for the formation of containers and a device for packaging and / or grouping articles, in particular for the formation of containers, according to the respective preambles of claims 1 and 11.

The method described here comprises a first step, in which an article flow is initially generated in a conveying direction, wherein, in particular after the article flow has been generated, the article flow is enveloped by at least one layer of stretchable film, in particular under tension, resulting in a film wrap moving endlessly in the conveying direction the article is formed.

In a next method step, the film is completely severed in a plane running, for example, perpendicular to the article flow, between articles and / or groups of articles which are adjacent in the conveying direction. In this case, the severing of the film between each directly adjacent articles or between taxable and / or controllable group arrangements of the article can be performed. The severing is preferably continuous, i. The movement of a separating device can follow the transport direction of the article and therefore also follow the articles along the conveying direction over an adjustable path. A separation direction can be inclined relative to the conveying direction. A corresponding inclination angle can be between zero and 90 degrees. In this respect, the parting line is at most in one dimension perpendicular to the article transport direction.

However, wrapping methods are already known from the prior art. Namely, for example, those methods are known in which individual containers are wrapped in the cycle. In this case, the cycle length can be set according to a length of a container group. However, this method has low performance due to the clock transporting of the articles to be used.

On the other hand, furthermore, continuous transport methods are known in which containers which are transported close to dense and continuously transported are wrapped with a film in order to be subsequently separated. Although this method usually has a higher performance than a clocked transporting the containers, but after cutting no or very little film overhang for a sufficiently strong frontal side cover of the groups of articles. Such a continuous transport method is therefore also based, inter alia, on performance optimization, in that a bundle separation, for example without additional spacing, of the individual article is accomplished by cutting through the film.

However, due to the lack of film projection laterally outside of the container, the container is laterally also largely open, which not only increases the risk of external contamination of the container container, but also causes the containers to fall laterally out of the container. In particular, for example, the containers arranged in the middle of a container container, be arranged with more than two rows, very particularly loose and unstable within the container.

In addition, there is the risk in side areas of such a container without substantial beveling of the bound containers that the film retracts further from the edge area of the container due to the internal tension after the separation process and thus a stability but also a protection of the container surface is reduced.

In addition, it has been found that in particular rectangular containers or groups of containers, which are often free of import bevels at the desired separation point, very difficult or even can not be separated because a foil cutting element is difficult to retract between the containers.

Even with a separation of the film with laser radiation and a displacement of the container to each other to cut better in the separation area, the disadvantage remains that no film eye the sides and the end faces at least partially encloses, which is still a bad pollution protection and instabilities of the Container arranged on the outer edge inside the container passes through the retracting foil after the cutting process.

Proceeding from this, it is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a method for packaging and / or grouping articles, in particular for the formation of containers, in which the above-mentioned problems are avoided, thus in a particularly simple manner with high production efficiency in particular to produce mechanically stable containers of articles.

This object is solved by the subject matter of claim 1. Further advantageous embodiments are described in the subclaims.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention makes use, inter alia, of the idea that an additional spacing between articles and / or groups of articles of this stream of articles is created before the film is severed, and the film is produced in the area of this article Additional distance is then completely severed, so that the film preferably automatically, at least in places on side surfaces of the article and / or end faces of the container of articles applies.

For example, the articles may be containers, in particular plastic containers, glass bottles, cans, packaging or other piece goods.

It has therefore been recognized that the film itself may act as an additional or sole lateral support means from articles arranged laterally on containers. In particular, this may mean that, except for the foil, the container of articles is free of further holding means for the mechanically stable arrangement of the articles of the container. This may also mean that therefore the film is the only holding means of the container, which holds the articles in the container together and stabilizes each other in their position.

In other words, the present invention improves pack stability by forming a film overhang to the article group to be formed. This film projection can therefore also protect the article group from the front side by the film tension applied at least in the winding direction (forming a lateral film eye by means of "constricting effect").

It is conceivable that small film overhangs create by the Stretchzug to the container / pack and secure them against slipping sideways.

Large film overhangs can be welded by an optional heat input in this area.

As a result, the stretch eye can be significantly reduced (higher stability) or fully enclosed (closed) for optimum protection of the content, e.g. Against pollution)

This is therefore achieved, inter alia, by applying the above-mentioned additional distance of the resulting after separation film overhang on the end faces of the container. This application is preferably done automatically, i. free of additional auxiliary or work materials.

In order that the transported articles can stand stably during transport, provision can be made, in particular, for the articles to support one another up to the moment of the separation or only up to the moment of the application of the film. This can be achieved by the fact that the articles touch each other on side surfaces until this moment or that insert elements are installed between directly adjacent articles.

In other words, therefore, the present invention provides the decisive advantage that a controllable winding film supernatant is also present after the separation process and a film eye also better surrounds the container laterally.

For winding packages with more than two rows of articles, for example of containers, so that even the middle container to the film eye are kept safe.

Also, a separation is greatly simplified by the generation of the additional distance, since using existing mechanical release agent, such as a separate separator, much easier can be driven between the individual containers to cut through the film completely.

The above-mentioned method can also be used for a mere repackaging and / or closing of individual articles, in particular of individual packages. In this case, parallelepipedic packages, such as e.g. Carton packaging with subsequent re-separation of the packaging or individual packaging components into consideration.

All in all, therefore, the present method leads to a particularly high throughput in a continuous transport operation, so that the present method is also free, for example, of a timed transport of the article.

According to at least one embodiment of the method for packaging and / or grouping articles, in particular for forming containers, this first comprises generating an article stream in a conveying direction, wherein in a next step at least one single-layer wrapping of this article stream by means of a, in particular under tension applied stretchable film takes place, from which an endlessly moving in the conveying direction foil packaging of the article is formed.

Preferably, the articles of the article stream are conveyed on a standing (support) plate and in particular pushed and then wrapped together with this plate. Subsequently, the wrapped articles from this plate taken, in particular by means of a subsequent to the conversion device feed device, for example, using a side guide.

In a further step, the foil is completely severed in a plane extending in particular perpendicular to the article flow between articles and / or groups of articles which are adjacent in the conveying direction.

According to the invention, the invention comprises a further step, during which an additional distance between adjacent articles is selectively generated between adjacent articles and / or groups of articles of this article stream before the film is severed and the film is subsequently completely severed in the region of this additional distance, so that the Foil preferably automatically at least in places on side surfaces of the article and / or end faces of the container of articles applies.

An extension of the additional distance in the conveying direction can be smaller than a corresponding extension of the article in this direction. For example, the additional spacing has an extension of at least 10 mm to at most 100 mm, preferably from at least 20 mm to at most 80 mm, preferably from at least 30 mm to at most 70 mm and preferably from at least 40 mm to at most 60 mm in the conveying direction.

According to at least one embodiment, the articles are conveyed in the conveying direction by means of a dynamic pressure conveying, in particular wherein the Straudruckanförderung comprises conveying the articles at a first conveying speed and then conveying the articles under a second conveying speed, wherein the second conveying speed is greater than the first conveying speed that the additional distance arises at least partially by this difference in speed.

For example, the two conveyor speeds are dependent on each other, for example, synchronized with each other, adjusted, controlled or regulated.

In this context, "dynamic pressure delivery" means that the articles conveyed up are initially compacted by means of the transport device from an originally existing article distance and, for example, come into contact with each other at the closest transport point and this contact is used with each other to form the further conveyor chain at least partially and / or temporarily with a delivery pressure, such as pushing or the like, to apply. To push the article can come into question a sliding element in question, which engages the side of the article flow in this mechanically.

The promotion of the individual articles in the individual conveyor speeds has the effect that the accumulated articles are equalized in their arrangement to each other and forms a distance, for example, the additional distance described above between the articles.

According to at least one embodiment, insertion elements are inserted as spacers between adjacent articles before the wrapping of the article with the film, but only after generating the additional distance between adjacent articles in the conveying direction, wherein before, during or after the cutting of the film, the insertion elements in a be removed from the article flow from the conveying direction different Ausschichtungichtung.

For example, the containers under dynamic pressure are first conveyed in the dammed state with the first conveying speed and accelerated by a segment of the transport device to a second conveying speed. In the transition from the first conveying speed to the second conveying speed, therefore, a gap arises, which is so large that in this space from the side, from above or from below, the insertion elements described above can be inserted. The insertion elements are therefore in a predetermined arrangement, for example, between each immediately adjacent articles.

Preferably, an extension of the insertion elements in the conveying direction is exactly equal to the additional distance generated between the articles. In this respect, the insertion elements in the conveying direction contact directly adjacent articles on both sides. After inserting the insertion elements and after wrapping the articles, preferably together with the insertion elements, the insertion elements can then preferably be removed from the stream of articles during the separation process, in particular, for example, by a corresponding separation device. It is namely conceivable that during cutting the individual spacers fall down into a collecting container or a collecting line.

In such an embodiment, it is therefore conceivable that from the insertion of the insertion elements between each adjacent article, the transport speed always remains constant until severing. In other words, in In such an embodiment, the distance once generated can be kept constant.

According to at least one embodiment, the articles are supplied jammed in the conveying direction and the jammed articles are then wrapped with the film, wherein after wrapping by preferably stepped transition of the two conveyor speeds of the additional distance between adjacent articles is selectively generated and wherein during the production of the additional distance, the film is stretched to be subsequently separated at the stretched places.

In contrast to the above proposed embodiment, therefore, instead of or in addition to a use of the insertion elements as spacer the above-described additional distance, for example only, generated by the speed transition between a first transport conveyor and a second transport conveyor, since during the transition from a transport conveyor to the Therefore, other transport conveyor automatically forms a larger gap between the respective adjacent articles, this gap then generated can correspond to the additional distance.

In fact, even during the generation of the gap, the film remains circumferentially cocked around the articles and therefore expands as the distance between adjacent articles increases. Now, then, but at the earliest during the generation of the additional distance between immediately adjacent articles which then stretched or stretched film severed, the film is not only retreats in the direction of the edge arranged in the container article, but this film also lays down Side surfaces / end faces of the container arranged on the outside of the article. One reason for this automatic application to outer side surfaces of the articles or end faces of the container can also be that the outer surfaces of the articles bound together there have a curvature, so that this curvature of the tensile stress, which initially prevailed in the conveying direction, in a contact pressure on the Redirects side surfaces.

In this respect, it is a preferred embodiment of the invention that for generating the speed difference, the jammed articles are conveyed by means of a first transport conveyor and the articles are subsequently taken over by a second transport conveyor, wherein the additional distance preferably results only at the transition between the two transport conveyors.

According to at least one embodiment, the separation of the film is preferably carried out in the conveying direction between the two transport conveyors. The separation of the film preferably takes place in a plane perpendicular to the conveying direction.

According to at least one embodiment, for generating the additional distance by the speed difference between adjacent articles, the first transport conveyor and / or the second transport conveyor comprises at least one fixing element, in particular at least one clamping carriage, which generates the speed difference between the articles.

The clamping carriage can therefore be understood as a driver element for accelerating and / or braking of the articles to be transported. By means of the clamping carriage, it is therefore possible, for example, to put together particularly well defined articles and article groups, which can further increase a production throughput. For this purpose, the fixing can grab a predetermined number of articles after or during cutting and accelerate or decelerate in the conveying direction relative to the article flow to produce by this relative movement the desired additional distance to the rest of the article flow.

In accordance with at least one embodiment, the jammed articles are enveloped with the film prior to generating the additional distance using a winding funnel in such a way that after wrapping the article flow in the region of the additional distance between adjacent articles, a film accumulation or a film elongation, in particular by a variability in a gap generation between immediately adjacent articles and / or controlled application of the film.

In this respect, the use of the winding funnel described herein may represent as another form of implementation to the above-described film stretching.

In other words, in this embodiment, instead of an immediate wrapping, ie wrapping the article, first the winding funnel is wrapped. In this case, a winding funnel denotes any element which is set up and provided for the areal absorption of the film. The winding funnel can therefore have in a sectional plane perpendicular to the conveying direction a round, oval, or angular basic shape, as long as the winding funnel in the form of a funnel obliquely in the direction of the flow and in the conveying direction. A funnel therefore does not necessarily designate an element with a circular or oval cross-sectional dimension within the meaning of the invention. Also, the funnel does not necessarily have a continuous element be. Namely, it is conceivable that the funnel comprises a plurality of sub-elements, which are formed in their entirety in the form of a funnel.

In accordance with at least one embodiment, the winding funnel comprises at least one winding element, in particular a winding wall or an elongated rod element, which in particular runs conically, wherein the film is at least partially pushed and / or wound on a side of the winding wall facing away from the article flow, and the article flow through a , in particular conical, opening of the winding funnel passes, so that the article by pulling and / or compressive force the film, preferably automatically, pull from the winding wall, whereby a film stretching is achieved.

By a drive and / or a controlled braking device of the winding wall can with suitable film (for example stretchable transversely to the winding direction) and a bias of the film in the transport direction of the article flow when placing the film on the article flow by generating a differential speed between the film and the article flow and / or be created among the articles among each other. Advantageously, the articles are held together with bias in this case also in the transport direction, which can produce a considerably more stable pack, in particular with the film supernatant.

In the event that the film is unrolled on the article, this can happen especially in the area of the later separation point with increased speed of the winding funnel.

A generation of a film protrusion, in particular with subsequent packaging separation, may also include a mechanical and / or electronic coupling.

For this purpose, a wrapping speed of the film in predetermined, for example, controllable and / or controllable relationship to the conveying speed.

Also, the wrapping speed may depend on a (final) pack length.

The film accumulation with and / or without spacing may be dependent on the to be achieved Gebindelänge in their conveyor timing. For example, a film accumulation is greater if the length of the container is greater or vice versa. It is also conceivable that a film accumulation is greater when the Gebinelänge is shorter.

This can be achieved by e.g. a mechanical and / or electronic coupling / curve control / curve machine, a distance measurement, tracking and / or detecting the film accumulation / spacing especially in the field of container separation by a sensor or by a differential speed application. Preferably, therefore, a wrapping speed, with which the piece goods are wrapped, at least temporarily synchronized with a transport speed of the piece goods.

In this respect, it is therefore a passive application of the wound around the winding wall film, so that the guided through the winding funnel articles, as soon as they run out of the opening of the winding funnel, pull the film of the articles from the winding wall on a daily basis.

In accordance with at least one embodiment, the winding funnel comprises a driven winding wall surface which delivers the film to the article flow at a drive speed, wherein the drive speed is preferably a component of the drive speed parallel to the conveying direction of the article flow greater than the first conveying speed, so that preferably only through this Speed difference forms a film accumulation at least between the articles, as soon as they leave the winding funnel, wherein subsequently this film accumulation is severed.

In contrast to the abovementioned embodiments, which resort to film stretching and their regressing on outer contours of the container, rather than stretching, a film accumulation is now used instead to create the film overhang. A film accumulation is therefore such an arrangement and design of the film, which describes a shrunken or crimped, for example, stretch-free film portion. This film accumulation, as the Applicant has discovered, again preferably lays itself automatically on outer side surfaces of the articles. This embodiment therefore falls under an embodiment of the winding funnel as a so-called active operation of the winding funnel.

A "driven wrap wall surface" in this context may mean that the wrap wall surface itself is relative to the article flow, i. for example, also rotates parallel to the conveying direction of the article flow to the article flow and / or that the winding wall surface has mechanical elements that cause the film is delivered in at least one directional component on the article flow.

Furthermore, the present invention relates to a device for packaging and / or grouping articles, in particular for Training of containers. In this case, the present device is set up in particular and provided for carrying out the method according to the embodiments described above, ie that all the features implemented for the method described above are also disclosed for the device described here, and vice versa.

In accordance with at least one embodiment, the device comprises a transport device which generates an article stream in a conveying direction of the transport device.

Furthermore, the device comprises a device for wrapping the article stream by means of a stretchable film which can be applied in particular under tension, wherein a film packaging of the article which moves endlessly in the conveying direction can be formed. For example, the film, for example, only in the conveying direction or in the winding direction, stretchable.

In addition, the device comprises a separating device, which is arranged in the conveying direction after the device for wrapping and by means of which in a running in particular perpendicular to the article flow level between adjacent conveying direction articles and / or groups of articles, the film is completely severable.

According to the invention, the device comprises a state distance generating device, which is arranged in the conveying direction before the separating device and thus before the cutting of the film specifically between the articles and / or groups of articles this article flow an additional distance between adjacent articles can be generated and the film in the range of this additional distance then completely by means of the separating device can be severed, so that the film preferably automatically applies at least in places to side surfaces of the article and / or end faces of the container of articles.

All the advantages and embodiments described here, as described in connection with the above method, are also disclosed for the device described here.

Further advantages and embodiments will be apparent from the attached drawings:

Show:

1A - 1C in lateral perspective top and side views of a first embodiment of a method described herein and a device described herein;

1D - 1E lateral schematic views a positioning of insertion elements described here between immediately adjacent articles of the article stream;

2 - 4E in further schematic views, further embodiments of the method described herein and the apparatus described herein.

In the 1A is a first schematic side view of a device described here 1000 for packaging and / or grouping articles 1 , in particular for the formation of containers 10 , shown. First of all recognizable is a transport device T12 which has an article stream 1A in a conveying direction 2 the transport device T12 generated.

These are the articles 1 initially accumulated in a sector I to each other. In a sector II, then the accumulated and preferably touching articles 1 at a distance from each other. This can be done in the 1A be done by that in sector I, a first sub-conveyor (for example, a Zuteilstern, a Zuteilfinger or a conveyor belt) is present, which the articles 1 and in a sector II another sub-sponsor accumulates the articles 1 to a certain pitch, in particular an additional distance 21 , For example, by using a Zuteilstern, Zuteilfingers and / or sliding bar brings.

In a sector III become the spaced apart articles 1 transported at the beginning of sector III and from the entry of the article 1 in the sector III from below between each directly adjacent articles 1 insert elements 5 be introduced as a spacer. In the present embodiment, the distance between adjacent articles corresponds in each case to at least one extension of the insertion elements 5 in the conveying direction 2 ,

Therefore, the includes in the 1A shown device 1000 also an additional distance generating device 40 , This is partly because of a guide rail 41 the auxiliary distance generating device 40 the insertion elements 5 from below, for example, by means of a lifting and positioning mechanism between the individual immediately adjacent articles 1 be introduced.

After insertion of the insertion elements 5 between immediately adjacent articles 1 will then feed the article stream 1A (Includes items together with the slide-in elements) in a device 20 for wrapping the article stream 1A introduced.

As indicated in the form of a solid line, therefore, becomes parallel to the conveying direction 2 the article stream 1A preferably parallel to the entire circumference with the film described above 3 envelops. After the article stream 1A (which then with the film 3 is wrapped) the device 20 for wrapping the article stream 1A happened and left again, is under further loading of the article stream 1A with feed a further wrapping of the article stream 1 with another slide 3 using another device 20 for wrapping the article stream 1A made. So one is endless in conveying direction 2 moving foil packaging 4 the item 1 educated. In this case, the other film 3 in the opposite direction as the first slide 3 be wrapped. After this now double wrapping of the article stream 1 with different slides 3 are therefore from the top, bottom or from the side by means of a separator 30 both the slides 3 severed as well as either by the separator itself or by the action of gravity, the respective in the additional distance 21 existing insert element 5 from the article stream 1 away. This is the reason why packages of articles are left behind 1 with at least partially covered by the film overhangs cover article end faces.

The 1B and 1C show in contrast to the device 1000 according to the 1A a lateral pushing out of the respective insertion elements 5 , which then as, for example, by the effect of gravitational force laterally from top to bottom, ie parallel to the transport device T12 in the guide rail 41 fall in. The guide rail 41 is thus not below, but laterally from the stream of articles 1A This shows the 1B in particular a side view and the 1C now shows the lateral pushing out (unlike the 1A ).

In the 1D to 1E is a schematic side view and a schematic plan view of a positioning of a push-in element described here 5 between immediately adjacent articles 1 of the article stream 1A shown. It can be seen here that the insertion elements 5 parallel to a plane transverse to the conveying direction 2 have an extent which is less than the corresponding extent of the article 1 is. It is also possible that the insertion elements 5 in the conveying direction 2 have a smaller extension than the articles 1 , These size dimensions of the insertion elements 5 advantageously allow a particularly simple cutting free of the insertion elements 5 , This can be particularly simple, the insertion element 5 For example, be pushed out laterally (rounded edges against snagging, then the rest of the cut can be done).

The 2 shows one to the 1 shown alternative or additional method for producing the containers of articles 1A in which, instead of the introduction of the above-mentioned insertion elements 5 a distance is specifically achieved in the transition from a region IV into a region V by different transport speeds v1, v2 present there. The articles 1 Therefore, in their stowed form, in turn, as in the 1A - 1C shown by the two devices 20 for wrapping the articles, for example, transported to the end of the area IV with a conveying speed v1. At the moment of leaving the area IV become the then wrapped articles 1 brought to the conveying speed v2, so that at the moment of accelerating the film automatically 3 with expands. During the co-expansion or else after that, it is then preferably at the transition between the region IV to the region V, which is preferably free of a transport device, a separation by the separation device 30 generates and thus the film 3 completely severed. The previously stretched film 3 then nestles automatically on side and / or end faces of the container and therefore holds outer articles, ie items which are arranged on the edge side of the respective container, laterally fixed. In this respect, it is basically, advantageously a film 3 in the form of a wrapping film, which not only in the winding direction, but also in the conveying direction 2 , is stretchable to achieve the desired spacing after the completed winding process.

To generate the speed difference is therefore in the 2 a first transport conveyor T1, which the articles 1 subjected to a first conveying speed v1 and a second transport conveyor T2 shown, which the articles 1 brings to a second transport speed v2, wherein the additional distance preferably results in the transition between the two transport conveyors T1, T2. The two transport conveyors T1, T2 are therefore part of the transport device T12.

In the 3A is unlike the device 1000 according to the 2 shown that for generating the second conveying speed v2, the individual articles by a fixing device 6 , in particular the clamping carriage shown there 61 , individually or in addition, preferably particularly easily in individual article groups summarized in conveying direction can be accelerated or slowed down, so that between the in the 3A shown fixing device 6 , For example, the clamping carriage 61 , and another fixing element 62 , which is mounted on the first transport conveyor T1, a separation by the separator 30 is carried out.

The 3B shows the in the 3A represented transport device instead of in a side view in a particularly catching plan view, from which it can be seen that the clamping carriage 61 especially in the conveying direction 2 is movable back and forth.

In the 4A is a schematic side view of another embodiment of the device shown here 1000 described in which the device 1000 and in particular the device 20 for wrapping the article stream 1A a winding funnel 7 includes. The winding funnel 7 includes in the in 4A shown embodiment, at least one, preferably two winding walls 71 which in the conveying direction 2 on the article stream 1A run. These are the two winding walls 71 arranged such that between the two winding walls 71 the flow rate 2 runs. In particular, the film is 3 on one the article stream 1A opposite side of a winding wall 71 at least partially deferred and / or wound up (and thus unwound from a film reservoir, for example a film roll). The article stream 1A is through an opening 710 of the winding funnel 7 passed through, leaving the article 1 by tensile and / or compressive force the film 3 automatically from the wrapping wall 71 pull. To fill a gap between immediately adjacent articles 1 therefore, it will generate just before the contact of the articles 1 with the foil 3 the item 1 or a group of articles 1 specifically brought from the first conveying speed v1 to the second, larger, conveying speed v2 or another conveying speed. This not only results in the desired additional distance 21 between the articles 1 but already during the unwinding of the winding funnel 7 the desired film stretching.

In other words, therefore, in the 4A not the container itself with the foil 3 wrapped but rather the winding funnel 7 , In particular, in the 4A Thus, in a section VI, it is shown how the articles are conveyed at a speed v0 in, for example, random spacing. During the transition from section VI to section VII, the individual articles will become 1 parallelized and, for example, brought into contact with each other and dammed each other. This can be done for example via different allocation or transport conveyor. In this respect, the section VI comprises a transport compressor T120 (as part of the transport device T12) as a compression transport element. In the transition between the section VII to the section VIII then get the articles 1 while maintaining the first conveying speed v1 in a first device 20 for wrapping the article stream 1A , ie in the above-mentioned winding funnel 7 , The one around the article 1 remote outer surface of the winding wall 71 wound film is, for example, subjected to air and / or vibration, so that the film 3 especially easy from the surface of the wrapping wall 71 , between which, for example, an air cushion is formed, slide off and through the articles 1 preferably can be deducted automatically and free of other aids. Optionally, however, is also a regulated or controlled drive, a brake or other support of the film 3 in the transport direction of the article 1 conceivable, so that by means of further aids on the winding funnel 7 wound film 3 can be deducted.

In a section IX then passes the further subsidized and with the film 3 wrapped article stream 1A in a gap puller T121 as part of the transport device T12. The Gap Puller T121 accelerates individual articles 1 or groups of articles 1 to a second conveying speed v2, which causes a between the individual containers of the article 1 desired separation point, ie the desired additional distance 21 , can adjust. In addition, based on individual containers of the gap puller 121 further comprising a transport compressor, which is designed such that individual items within the container are again brought closer together, the distance from such containers, however, for example, can remain unaffected by such a compressor. Also, a compressor is conceivable, which again slightly closer together after pulling apart the individual container itself relative to each other.

When passing from region IX to region X, the stream of articles then passes 1A in a second device 20 for wrapping the article stream 1A , which in turn is recognizable (as it is, for example, in all other or previous devices 20 for wrapping is possible) that a support plate 800 for supporting the article flow 1 firmly fixed and therefore immovable within the device 20 is arranged. The support plate 800 therefore ensures a supported guidance of the article flow 1A through the angular funnel 7 therethrough. Alternatively, the support plate can 800 but also with the article stream 1A move with it. In particular, in such a case, the support plate 800 even from the slide 3 along with the articles 1 be wrapped together.

Now goes the double-wrapped article stream 1A in a region XI, this region again has a gap puller T121 in the present exemplary embodiment, which in turn has individual distances between the already previously formed bundles of articles 1 change, for example, can enlarge. In the area XI is therefore the film 3 continuously over the articles 1 and the individual gaps between immediately adjacent articles 1 , The film can under also because of the Gap T121 between adjacent articles 1 be stretched. In the transition between the region XI to the region XII is then by means of a separator 30 between each adjacent containers through the films 3 completely cut through, so that the containers are separated.

In particular, therefore, the above-mentioned Gap puller T121 allow accelerated peeling off the film 3 , ie the film winder, from the winding funnel 7 and a simultaneous spacing of the articles 1 at the desired separation points before and / or after a combination of the film 3 with the individual articles 1 , resulting in a better Entstretchung a packing edge after separating the film 3 leads, because the protruding foil 3 retreats and a separation of parallelepiped containers, such as wound cardboard packaging, is particularly easy.

The 4B shows in contrast to the embodiment according to the 4A instead of a passive application of the film 3 from the winding funnel 7 on the articles 1 an active application of the film 3 on the articles 1 starting from the winding funnel 7 , in that, as that in the 4B shown winding funnel 7 a driven winding wall surface 711 includes. Crucial is in the in the 4B shown embodiment of an active winding funnel 7 promotes, therefore, that the driven winding wall surface 711 the film with a drive speed v3, which may correspond, for example, the further conveying speed v2, on the article flow 1 to actively promote. The winding funnel 7 can therefore his slide 3 unwind automatically (ie without the help of the articles 1 ). In contrast to the embodiment according to the 4A be in the 4B after wrapping generated no gaps, so that a film accumulation in the area of the later separation points, inter alia, by the active control of the winding funnel 7 is produced. Now pass the individual articles 1 the opening 710 , find these at the opening 710 of the winding funnel 7 a film accumulation, which is arranged in particular after the formation of the individual containers between the individual containers. In particular, the winding funnel 7 therefore have one or more of the following characteristics:

• – mindestens bestehend aus zwei gegenüberliegenden, parallel oder leicht schräg/konisch zueinander angeordneten Flächen,
• – einseitig, auf Zulaufseite, fliegend befestigt,
• – senkrecht zu Förderrichtung 2 zumindest so breit, dass die umwickelte Folie 3 im Bereich dieser Flächen nicht vom Pack/Behälterstrom mitgenommen wird,
• – Wickelwand 7 ist in sich plan oder aber zumindest in einer Dimension gewölbt,
• – Wickelwand ist als eine geschlossene konische Kegelfläche ausgebildet,
• – Abziehen der Folie 3 von der Wickelwand erfolgt durch die Geschwindigkeit/Bewegung des Lückenziehers T121,
• – Abziehen der Folie 3 von dem Wickeltrichter 7 (schneller/langsamer) durch einen veränderbaren Winkel der Wickelwand 71 in Bezug auf die Förderrichtung 2 zueinander beeinflusst, beispielsweise ist dieser Winkel dann abhängig von der Fördergeschwindigkeit, mit welcher durch den Wickeltrichter 7 hindurch befördert wird,
• – Wickelwand 71 kann mittels elektrischer und/oder pneumatischer Elemente seiner Position entlang der Förderrichtung 2 oder in seinem Winkel relativ zum Artikelstrom 1A eingestellt werden.
• – In die Wickelwand 71 sind für die Folie 3 gleit fördernde und/oder gleit hemmende Elemente eingearbeitet,
• – diese Elemente sind steuerbar (umlaufender Riemen, Lufteinblasen zur Reibungsminderung), um einen zusätzlich zum Lückenzieher geregelten Vorschub des gebildeten Folienwickels zu ermöglichen,
• – Wickelwand 71 ist durch einen oder mehrere Bandförderer ohne oder mit Antrieb gebildet. Insbesondere in diesem Fall ist auch eine parallele Anordnung der Bandförderer in Förderrichtung 2 möglich, was einen Bandverzug verhindert und eine sehr einfache Folien-Vorschubsteuerung der Folie 3 ermöglicht,
• – Wickelwand 7 umfasst statt oder zusätzlich zu den Bandförderern zumindest eine Rollenmatte auf, auf welcher die Folie 3 transportiert wird,
• – Der untere Förderer kann auch die Behälter abtragen, da die Transportfläche sich zwar entgegen dem Behälterstrom bewegt, dieser aber im Vortrieb wegen der Röllchenoberfläche nicht behindert wird,
• – Umstellung auf andere Artikelgrößen: Höhe: Verändern der Beabstandung Breite: Im Rahmen der Stretchbarkeit der Folie 3 keine Umstellung, ansonsten Breitenverstellung der Flächen,
• – Die Abstützplatte 800 orientiert sich in der Breite am schmalsten Gebinde und kann i.a. auch ohne Verstellung breitere Gebinde abtragen. Handelt es sich um mehrere nebeneinander liegende Behälter, so kann eine stufenweise Anpassung durchgeführt werden,
• – Wickeltrichter 7 gebildet von mehreren Stabelementen, mit Funktionalitäten wie zuvor Beschrieben, z.B. als Luft-Düsen-Stab (Stab mit Düsenöffnungen aus denen Luft entweicht) oder Riemenförderer,
• – die angetriebene Wickeloberfläche 71 des Wickeltrichters 7 kann auch verwendet werden, um zusätzliche Verpackungselemente wie Werbeeinlagen, Griffapplikationen unter den jeweiligen Folienwickel einzubringen.

It also follows a non-exhaustive list of optional features and their combinations of the winding funnel described here, which can generally apply to the winding funnel:

• At least consisting of two opposite, parallel or slightly oblique / conical surfaces,
• - on one side, on inlet side, fixed on the fly,
• - perpendicular to the conveying direction 2 at least so wide that the wrapped film 3 in the area of these surfaces is not taken from the pack / container flow,
• - Wrapping wall 7 is curved in itself or at least in one dimension,
• Winding wall is designed as a closed conical conical surface,
• - Remove the foil 3 from the winding wall is effected by the speed / movement of the gap puller T121,
• - Remove the foil 3 from the winding funnel 7 (faster / slower) by a variable angle of the winding wall 71 in terms of conveying direction 2 influenced by each other, for example, this angle is then dependent on the conveying speed, with which through the winding funnel 7 being transported through
• - Wrapping wall 71 can by means of electrical and / or pneumatic elements of its position along the conveying direction 2 or at its angle relative to the article stream 1A be set.
• - In the winding wall 71 are for the slide 3 slip-promoting and / or anti-slip elements incorporated,
• - These elements are controllable (circulating belt, air bubbles for friction reduction) to allow in addition to the gap pull controlled feed of the formed film roll,
• - Wrapping wall 71 is formed by one or more belt conveyors with or without drive. In particular, in this case, a parallel arrangement of the belt conveyor in the conveying direction 2 possible, which prevents tape warping and a very simple film feed control of the film 3 allows
• - Wrapping wall 7 instead of or in addition to the belt conveyors comprises at least one roll mat on which the film 3 is transported,
• - The lower conveyor can also remove the containers, since the transport surface moves against the container stream, but this is not hindered in the drive because of the Röllchenoberfläche,
• - Conversion to other article sizes: Height: Changing the spacing Width: Within the stretchability of the film 3 no conversion, otherwise width adjustment of the surfaces,
• - The support plate 800 is oriented in width on the narrowest container and can generally remove wider containers even without adjustment. If there are several adjacent containers, then a gradual adaptation can be carried out,
• - winding funnel 7 formed by a plurality of rod elements, with functionalities as described above, eg as an air-jet rod (rod with nozzle openings from which air escapes) or belt conveyors,
• - The driven winding surface 71 of the winding funnel 7 Can also be used to bring additional packaging elements such as advertising inserts, handle applications under the respective film wrap.

In the 4C is the one in the 4A shown passive winding funnel 7 shown again in a schematic plan view, in which now is also explicitly recognizable as the individual containers, in particular by Teilungsabstandserzeugung the following gap puller T121 the film from the winding funnel 7 pull off.

In the 4D is shown in a schematic side view, as the individual film winding of the film 3 on the winding funnel 7 be formed. It is shown that a roll of film 80 along a rolling track 81 is rolled off. The film roll circles around it 80 the winding funnel 7 along the rolling track 81 , During the movement of the film roll 80 along the rolling track 81 thus becomes the film 3 on at the same time on the winding wall 71 clamped. The then on the winding wall 7 stretched foil 3 therefore envelops the article 1 along the circumferential direction 81A Completely.

In the 4E is also shown in a further embodiment, as the winding funnel 7 by a plurality of mutually diagonally arranged rod elements 72 is trained. The rod elements 71 may also be respectively formed in the form of belt conveyors or replaced by such. The rod elements 71 can also be easily adjusted in X1 and X2 direction. By means of the movement along the directions X1, X2, the distances of the rod elements 71 to the article stream 1A to be changed. These directions are preferably perpendicular to the conveying direction 2 and allow a particularly variable adjustment of the winding funnel and its diameter. The rod elements 71 run with at least one directional component parallel to the conveying direction 2 , Recognizable is also both in the 4D as well as in the 4E the example fixed support plate 800 , Instead, the support plate may be 800 but also with the article stream 1A move with it. In particular, in such a case, the support plate 800 even from the slide 3 along with the articles 1 be wrapped together.

The invention is not limited by the description and the embodiments. Rather, the invention encompasses every new feature as well as every combination of features, which also includes in particular every combination of the claims, even if this feature or this combination itself is not explicitly stated in the patent claims or the exemplary embodiments.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

T1

transport conveyor

T2

transport conveyor

T12

transport device

T120

transport compressor

T121

gap puller

v0

speed

v1

first conveying speed

v2

second conveying speed

v3

drive component

1

items

1A

Article power

2

conveying direction

3

foil

4

film packaging

5

insert elements

6

fixing

7

judge wraps

10

container

20

contraption

21

additional distance

22

Auschiebeinrichtung

30

separating means

40

Additional distance generator

41

Guide rail / collecting track

61

clamping slides

62

fixing

71

winding wall

711

Winding wall surface

72

rod elements

T121

transport conveyor

710

conical opening

711

winding surface

800

support plate

100

method

1000

contraption

X1, X2

Displacement corrections of the rod elements

Claims (11)

Procedure ( 100 ) for packaging and / or grouping articles ( 1 ), in particular for the formation of containers ( 10 ), comprising at least the following steps: - generating an article stream ( 1A ) in a conveying direction ( 2 ); At least single-layer wrapping of the article stream ( 1A ) by means of a, in particular under tension, applied stretchable film ( 3 ), from which an endless in conveying direction ( 2 ) moving foil packaging ( 4 ) the item ( 1 ) is formed, wherein - in one, for example, perpendicular to the article flow ( 1A ), between, in the conveying direction ( 2 ) neighboring articles ( 1 ) and / or groups of articles ( 1 ) the foil ( 3 ) is completely severed, characterized in that even before the film is cut ( 3 ) specifically between adjacent articles ( 1 ) and / or groups of articles ( 1 ) of this article stream ( 1A ) an additional distance ( 21 ) between adjacent articles ( 1 ) and the film ( 3 ) in the range of this additional distance ( 21 ) is then completely severed so that the film ( 3 ), preferably automatically, at least in places on side surfaces of the articles ( 1 ) and / or end faces of the containers of articles ( 1 ) applies. Procedure ( 100 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the articles ( 1 ) in the conveying direction ( 2 ) are conveyed by means of a Staudruckanförderung, wherein the dynamic pressure Anbefördern the promotion of the article ( 1 ) with a first conveying speed (v1) and subsequent transport of the articles ( 1 ) under a second conveying speed (v2), wherein the second conveying speed (v2) is greater than the first conveying speed (v1), so that the additional spacing (v2) 21 ) arises at least partially by this difference in speed. Procedure ( 100 ) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that even before wrapping the article ( 1 ) with the film ( 3 ), but only after the additional distance ( 21 ) between in the conveying direction ( 2 ) neighboring articles ( 1 ) Insertion elements ( 5 ) as spacers between adjacent articles ( 1 ), wherein before, during or after the film is cut ( 3 ) the insertion elements ( 5 ) in one of the conveying direction ( 2 ) different Ausschiebrichtung ( 22 ) from the article stream ( 1A ) are removed. Procedure ( 100 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the articles ( 1 ) jammed in conveying direction ( 2 ), and the jammed articles ( 1 ) with the film ( 3 ) are then wrapped, wherein after wrapping by, preferably stepped, transition of the two conveyor speeds (v1, v2) of the additional distance ( 12 ) between adjacent articles ( 1 ) is generated selectively, and wherein during the generation of the additional distance ( 21 ) the foil ( 1 ) is stretched to be subsequently severed at the stretched sites. Procedure ( 100 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims 2 to 4, characterized in that for generating the speed difference the jammed articles ( 1 ) are conveyed by means of a first transport conveyor (T1), and the articles ( 1 ) are then taken over by a second transport conveyor (T2), wherein the additional distance ( 21 ), preferably only, at the transition between the two transport conveyors (T1, T2) results. Procedure ( 100 ) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that a transection of the film ( 1 ) takes place between the two transport conveyors. Procedure ( 100 ) according to at least one of claims 5 to 6, characterized in that for generating the additional distance by the speed difference between adjacent articles of the first transport conveyor (T1) and / or the second transport conveyor (T2) at least one fixing element ( 6 ), in particular at least one clamping carriage ( 61 ), which determines the speed difference between the articles ( 1 ) generated. Procedure ( 100 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the jammed articles ( 1 ) before generating the additional distance ( 21 ) using a winding funnel ( 7 ) with the film ( 3 ) are wrapped in such a way that after the wrapping of the article stream ( 1A ) in the range of the additional distance ( 21 ) between adjacent articles ( 1 ) a film accumulation and / or a film stretching, for example by a variability in a gap generation between directly adjacent articles ( 1 ) and / or a controlled application of the film ( 3 ) is achieved. Procedure ( 100 ) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the winding funnel ( 7 ) at least one winding element ( 71 ), in particular a winding wall ( 71 ), which, in particular conically, in the conveying direction ( 2 ) on the article stream ( 1A ), the film ( 3 ) on an article stream ( 1A ) facing away from the winding wall ( 71 ) is at least partially deferred and / or wound up, and the stream of articles ( 1A ) through an opening ( 710 ) of the winding funnel ( 7 ), so that the articles ( 1 ) by tensile and / or compressive force the film ( 3 ), preferably automatically, from the winding wall ( 71 ), thereby achieving a film stretching. Procedure ( 100 ) according to claim 8, characterized in that the winding funnel ( 7 ) a driven winding wall surface ( 711 ) comprising the film ( 3 ) with a drive speed (v3) on the article flow ( 1A ), wherein the drive speed (v3) is greater than the first conveying speed (v1), so that, preferably only by this speed difference, a film accumulation at least between the articles ( 1 ) forms as soon as the winding funnel ( 7 ), after which this film accumulation is severed. Contraption ( 1000 ) for packaging and / or grouping articles ( 1 ), in particular for the formation of containers ( 10 ), at least comprising: A transport device (T12) which stores an article stream ( 1A ) in a conveying direction ( 2 ) of the transport device (T12) is generated; A device ( 20 ) for wrapping the article stream ( 1A ) by means of a stretchable film which can be applied, in particular under tension ( 3 ), from which an endless in conveying direction ( 2 ) moving foil packaging ( 4 ) the item ( 1 ), - a separating device ( 30 ), which in the conveying direction according to the device ( 20 ) is arranged for wrapping, and by means of which in one, for example perpendicular to the article flow ( 1A ), between, in the conveying direction ( 2 ) neighboring articles ( 1 ) and / or groups of articles ( 1 ) the foil ( 3 ) is completely severable, characterized in that by means of an auxiliary distance generating device ( 40 ), which in the conveying direction even before the separation device ( 30 ) is arranged and thus before the cutting of the film ( 3 ) specifically between adjacent articles ( 1 ) and / or groups of articles ( 1 ) of this article stream ( 1A ) an additional distance ( 21 ) between adjacent articles ( 1 ) is producible, and the film ( 3 ) in the range of this additional distance ( 21 ) completely by means of the separating device ( 30 ) is severable, so that the film ( 3 ), preferably automatically, at least in places on side surfaces of the articles ( 1 ) and / or end faces of the containers of articles ( 1 ) applies.

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