DE102016220760A1 - Apparatus and method for producing blanks of packaging material adapted to assemblies of articles - Google Patents

Abstract

There is disclosed a device (1) for applying packaging material (6) to an assembly (5) of articles (3) in the course of their transport along a transport path. The device (1) comprises at least one provision 9, via which packaging material (6) can be presented as uninterrupted strip material (8). In addition, the device (1) comprises a plurality of peripherally guided carriers (2) which receive the packaging material (6) as uninterrupted strip material (8) from the at least one supply (9) and for application to a respective assembly (5) Articles (3) can be transported after receipt along a defined route of movement. In addition, at least one cutting and / or separating element (20) for packaging material (6) is provided. The at least one cutting and / or separating element (20) is for cutting flat and to a respective compilation (5) on articles (3) adapted blanks (13) from the packaging material (6) presented as uninterruptible strip material (8) during its transport formed along the defined Verbringungsweges.

Description

The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for producing blanks of packaging material adapted to assemblies of articles.

Devices are already known from the prior art, which can put through foil blanks formed by thermoplastic packaging material to a respective compilation of articles. The respective composition then enters into a shrink tunnel together with the thermoplastic packaging material, wherein the thermoplastic packaging material is shrunk onto the respective composition and a container is formed from the respective composition.

Such a device is for example off EP 2 368 825 A1 known. The EP document shows a supply roll from which thermoplastic packaging material is unwound and blanks cut to thermoplastic packaging material. The blanks are then transported via a vacuum belt in the direction of a horizontal conveyor over which compilations are moved to beverage containers. About strokes the blanks are then applied to the compilations, after which the compilations are performed with the blanks of thermoplastic packaging material in a shrink tunnel.

Devices according to the EP patent application in practice require a large amount of space to convey the blanks by means of a vacuum belt in the direction of respective compilations of articles. If the supply of packaging material of a supply roll is almost exhausted, the thermoplastic packaging material of another supply roll must be welded to the thermoplastic packaging material of the almost exhausted or used-up roll for an uninterrupted packaging process. For this purpose, welding instruments are required, which continue to require a lot of space and are expensive to purchase. In addition, in many devices, the handling of the film is temporarily undefined, so that films are placed inaccurately on the article.

The object of the invention is therefore to provide a generic device or a generic method available, which at least partially avoid the disadvantages mentioned above. The device should have a straightforward structure. Next, the process should be easy to implement.

The above objects are achieved by an apparatus and a method comprising the features in the independent claims. Further advantageous embodiments are described by the subclaims.

The invention relates to a device for producing blanks of packaging material adapted to assemblies of articles. The articles can be formed for example by beverage containers such as bottles, cans, containers, which are combined into a larger container or the like. In addition, the articles may be further piece goods to which packaging material is to be applied for ease of handling.

In this case, the articles can be moved over a plurality of successive horizontal conveying devices along a transport path, the blanks of the packaging material optionally being applied to the assemblies of articles via a multiplicity of carriers described in greater detail below. The plurality of carriers can therefore be designed for applying the blanks to the compilations of articles.

Between directly successive horizontal conveying devices, a gap or a gap and / or a distance may be formed, via which gap or via which gap and / or spacing the plurality of carriers and / or the packaging material emerge and the packaging material or blanks to compilations can apply to articles or can be applied. In particular, a first gap or spacing can be formed between a first horizontal conveyor device and a second horizontal conveyor device, which second horizontal conveyor device directly follows the first horizontal conveyor device. The carriers and / or the packaging material described below may optionally emerge over the first gap or distance from a horizontal transport plane formed over the horizontal conveying devices for articles and subsequently apply packaging material to a respective assembly of articles. If only the packaging material emerges, the carriers with the packaging material may optionally pass laterally past the gap or the horizontal conveyor. Laterally, in this context, with a horizontal distance to the horizontal conveyors measured perpendicular to the transport direction of the article mean.

Further, between the second horizontal conveyor and a third horizontal conveyor, which third horizontal conveyor directly to the second Horizontal conveyor follows, a second gap or distance may be formed. The carriers which are described below may optionally dip over the second gap or distance or laterally thereof below the transport plane and in this case may carry with them any accepted packaging material or accepted blanks of packaging material. After submerging below the transport level, the carriers, which may still carry the packaging material, release the packaging material.

The device additionally comprises at least one provision via which packaging material can be presented as uninterrupted strip material. The at least one provision may have at least one retaining mandrel, on which a supply roll is seated and offers packaging material as uninterruptible strip material. The packaging material may be formed, for example, as a thermoplastic packaging material or as a shrink film. It is also conceivable that the packaging material is optionally formed by stretch film. The at least one retaining mandrel can be rotatable, so that uninterrupted packaging material resulting from a rotation of the retaining mandrel is unwound from the supply roll seated on the respective retaining mandrel. If a supply of packaging material of a supply roll is exhausted, the respective supply roll can be removed or removed from the holding mandrel, whereupon a further supply roll with packaging material is placed on the holding mandrel or plugged onto the holding mandrel. It may be the case here that a free outer end region of a new placed on the retaining mandrel or placed on the retaining mandrel stock roll is first withdrawn or aligned via a suction and / or gripping instrument, followed temporally following a variety of carriers described below than receive uninterrupted band material trained packaging material from the new supply roll and transport along a defined Verbringungsweges. A change of the supply rolls can for example be done automatically by means of a robot.

As just mentioned, a plurality of preferably circumferentially guided carriers is part of the device, which can receive the packaging material as uninterrupted strip material from the at least one provision and can transport along a defined movement path. In particular, the plurality of preferably circumferentially guided carriers, each receiving the packaging material as uninterrupted strip material from the at least one supply, can transport the packaging material for application to a respective assembly of articles upon receipt along the defined travel path.

If necessary, the plurality of carriers can be guided circumferentially by a rail system. The rail system can pass through a vicinity of the at least one provision, so that the plurality of carriers guided peripherally by the rail system can accept packaging material as uninterrupted strip material. The plurality of carriers can align or position the packaging material or the respective blanks described below for application to a respective composition of articles at least in sections above a transport plane provided for the articles. After aligning or positioning the blanks, the respective carriers can leave the packaging material or the blanks formed from the packaging material in each case.

In particular, it may be the case here that a plurality of carriers are guided or moved adjacent to one another, with the plurality of carriers guided adjacent to one another picking up the packaging material provided or formed as interruption-free strip material from opposite sides upon receipt. A relative distance adjacent to each other guided carrier or moving carrier can be initially increased in the direction of a width of the packaging material. To receive the packaging material provided as uninterruptible strip material, the plurality of adjacent guided or moved carriers can move towards one another and grip the packaging material provided as uninterruptible strip material from opposite sides.

In general, a path predetermined by a rail of the rail system for the plurality of carriers may not only be in one plane, but may have a three-dimensional configuration.

Preferably, all adjacent carriers may be continuously side by side during normal production operation, or in other words, at any one time, each carrier gripping the packaging material may be mirror-inverted on another side of the device. a mirror plane may be substantially parallel to the direction of movement of the plurality of beams 16 and 14, and preferably intersect a center of a device.

Like the plurality of carriers, the rail or parts of the drive of the plurality of carriers may be mirrored on opposite sides.

It is also conceivable that at least one deflection or several deflections are provided, via which the packaging material is guided during the transport along the defined movement path in the direction of the compilations of articles. The at least one deflection or the plurality of deflections may for example be designed as rollers on which the packaging material rests during its transport along the defined movement path. It can be provided that the packaging material is not guided by carriers in the region of deflection rollers.

An additional component of the device is at least one cutting and / or separating element for packaging material positioned in the region of the defined movement path. The cutting and / or separating element can be designed, for example, as a mechanical cutting and / or separating element or as a cutting blade. It is also conceivable, for example, that the cutting and / or separating element is designed as an optical cutting and / or separating element or as a laser. The cutting and / or separating element can in particular be arranged on a rotating roller.

It is envisaged that the at least one cutting and / or separating element for separating flat and tailored to a respective collection of articles blanks from the presented as uninterruptible band material packaging material is formed during its transport along the defined Verbringungsweges. The defined movement path may possibly extend through the first gap or the first distance already described above. In preferred embodiments, the at least one cutting and / or separating element can cut off blanks adapted to a respective composition of articles before the packaging material or the respective separated blanks emerge, if necessary, from a transport plane provided for the assemblies of articles.

If necessary, the cutting and / or separating element or the cutting blade can dip into the packaging material during a continuous movement of the packaging material and in this case separate individual blanks from the packaging material presented or made available as interruption-free strip material. The carriers can move the packaging material formed or presented as uninterrupted strip material past at least one cutting and / or separating element, wherein the cutting and / or separating element in this case separates a respective blank from the packaging material formed or presented as interruption-free strip material.

In particular, a cut edge when separating the blank can be oriented perpendicular to the transport direction of the packaging material.

It is also possible to provide a further cutting and / or separating element which cuts the uninterrupted strip material into at least two uninterrupted strips. The respective cut edge produced in each case can be oriented substantially parallel to the transport direction of the strip material.

It is conceivable that the resulting bands are transported by at least three or four adjacent carriers. Outer supports may have previously performed the tape material and preferably remain in position relative to the film. Alternatively, the carriers can capture the strip material only in the vicinity of the further cutting and / or separating element or the longitudinal section or in the transport direction after the further cutting and / or separating element and before reaching the transport plane for the article.

The carriers, which may possibly detect the webs after the separation in the longitudinal direction from the center at the cutting edge caused by the further cutting and / or separating element, are preferably arranged on a separate rail system and have their own drive. The drive can be integrated in the rail system in each embodiment.

In order to spend the blanks above the transport plane in the two-lane operation, the horizontal conveyor preferably has a gap in the transport direction, through which middle carriers can dive up and down again through the transport plane of the articles. Alternatively, two horizontal conveyors can also be arranged or provided in parallel, on each of which product compilations are conveyed and wrapped with blanks.

• - verschiedene Breiten von Folien verarbeitet werden können und/oder
• - die Vorrichtung ein- und mehrbahnig betrieben werden kann.

The rail system and / or the drive of the carrier can preferably be designed to be adjustable in the direction of a center of the device by a drive, so that

• - Different widths of films can be processed and / or
• - The device can be operated on one or more tracks.

In preferred embodiments, it may be that the plurality of carriers are formed as part of an electromagnetic direct drive. The previously mentioned rail system may be formed as a stator, the plurality of carriers may each be designed as a runner, which can be moved independently of each other along the stator. The stator can form a closed guide. Furthermore, the stator or the closed guide can extend through the previously described first and second gap or spacing.

In conceivable embodiments, the stator may have a branch, wherein a first branch of the stator extends below and / or in a transport plane provided for the articles, and wherein a further branch extends above a transport plane provided for the articles. A blank, after being severed from the wrapping material formed as uninterruptible strip material, may communicate with two carriers or travelers, a first advancing carrier or traveler being moved along the first branch for packaging a respective assembly, and a second carrier or traveler trailing carrier or runner along the second branch is moved. The respective blank can be applied to a respective composition by means of the movement of the carriers or runners along the first and second branches. In particular, a respective composition can be enveloped by the movement of the carriers or runners along the first and second branches with a respective blank.

Further, embodiments have proven in which successive carriers are movable relative to each other in their relative spacing. Such embodiments have proven useful, if necessary, to buffer individual blanks after the blanks have been cut off or to temporarily store them. The relative spacing of successive supports can be reduced for this purpose. It is also possible for a plurality of supports connected to a common blank to be moved relative to one another directly when the blank is applied to a respective assembly, in order to position a respective blank as accurately as possible on a respective assembly.

In the case of buffering, it may happen that a respective blank is possibly compressed and, as seen in a side view, is arranged undefined between successive carriers at least in regions.

In conceivable embodiments, a buffer can be realized in the entire transport path of the strip material in the device solely by reducing the relative spacing of successive carriers. Thus, conventional buffers having multiple baffles along which the strip material reciprocates can be dispensed with.

For a plurality of embodiments it can be provided that a leading edge or a trailing edge of a blank is in each case only detected by a carrier during transport, which is guided on a rail system which is located only on a specific side of the device. In further embodiments, it can be provided that each of the preferably four corners of a respective blank is grasped or held by a separate carrier during transport.

It may also be that immediately consecutive carriers of the plurality can assume a specific spacing and a dimensioning of the respective blanks in relation to one another when receiving the packaging material as an uninterruptible strip material. A control unit may be provided on which information regarding respective compositions of articles is stored and / or which information can be predetermined with regard to respective compositions of articles. If appropriate, the control unit may, taking into account the information, specify the specific spacing of successive carriers that takes into account the dimensioning of the respective blanks. In this case, the control unit can assign at least two carriers to each blank to be separated from the packaging material, which grips the packaging material as well as the respective cut separated from the packaging material in a flow direction of the packaging material.

Furthermore, the control unit may be in communication with the previously mentioned cutting and / or separating element, wherein the control unit controls the cutting and / or separating element taking into account the relative spacing of successive supports relative to one another. In particular, the control unit can bring about a cutting of the cutting and / or separating element effected as an uninterrupted strip material packaging material between two carriers, which are provided for holding different and immediately successive blanks of the trained as uninterruptible strip material packaging material.

Also, the apparatus may comprise a switch which may selectively effect, for the plurality of carriers, receipt of the packaging material as uninterruptible ribbon material from a first supply or from a second supply. The previously described stator can therefore form two different paths, wherein the plurality of carriers for receiving the packaging material as uninterrupted strip material in a first way Direction of the first deployment is movable. In a second way, the plurality of carriers may be movable to receive the packaging material as uninterruptible band material in the direction of the second deployment.

If necessary, the switch can be adjusted by actuators. It is conceivable here that the switch for the actuator adjustment is coupled to the previously described control unit. The control unit may have information, with the aid of which information the control unit can actuate the switch in the first provision when at least approximately completely used up packaging material, so that the plurality of carriers for receiving packaging material from the second provision via the second path is movable. Also, the switch may be formed such that the switch can specify magnetically the path to be taken for the plurality of carriers.

The device may comprise a particular mechanical, magnetic or electrical actuating mechanism for the plurality of straps, which in particular mechanical, magnetic or electrical actuating mechanism the plurality of straps in their circumferential guide for preferably clamped receiving the packaging material as an uninterrupted band material happen. The plurality of carriers may come in contact with the mechanical actuating mechanism during passage, the mechanical actuating mechanism effecting a preferably clamped receipt of the packaging material as uninterruptible ribbon material over the respective carriers. The mechanical actuating mechanism may optionally comprise two rails oriented parallel to one another and optionally guided in a vicinity of the stator, which actuate the plurality of supports for clampingly receiving the packaging material designed as uninterruptible belt material. Also, the mechanical actuating mechanism may optionally include a stop, with which the plurality of carriers for surface-contact clamping of the packaging material formed as uninterruptible strip material.

Furthermore, the device may have an optical detection device, preferably designed as a camera, via which an actual position of the blanks adapted to a respective composition of articles can be recognized. A movement speed of at least one carrier associated with a respective blank can be predefined defined taking into account the respective detected actual position. Practice has shown that in such embodiments, packaging material or blanks of packaging material can be applied very accurately to assemblies of articles. In particular, it may therefore be that, if an actual position of the blanks adapted to a particular composition of articles deviates, the respective actual position is adapted to a predetermined desired position. A speed of the respective carrier or carriers, which transport the respective blank, can be selectively increased or decreased for this purpose.

Furthermore, it may be that the multiplicity of carriers are each designed for clamping acceptance of the packaging material. For this purpose, the multiplicity of carriers can each form two contact regions which can be moved relative to one another or are pivotable relative to one another and which cooperate for the clamping reception of the packaging material. If, as previously mentioned, a mechanical actuating mechanism is provided, it may be that the contact areas are moved relative to each other or pivoted relative to each other when passing the mechanical actuating mechanism or in contact with the mechanical actuating mechanism for clamping receiving the packaging material formed as uninterrupted strip material , At least one contact region may be formed by rubber for contact with the respective packaging material in order to optimize the stiction between the at least one contact region and the packaging material.

Furthermore, it is conceivable that the applied during transport to the strip material force is constantly and actively brought about by the stator itself by a lever of the carrier is positioned to the magnetic field of the stator, that this causes a clamping.

The device may also comprise at least one sensor which is arranged upstream of the cutting and / or separating element functionally or in a flow direction of the packaging material. By way of the at least one sensor system, an actual condition of the packaging material received via the multiplicity of carriers can be recognized. Furthermore, the at least one cutting and / or separating element for separating a portion of the packaging material which deviates from the desired quality, and in particular the plurality of carriers for separating this portion of the packaging material, can be actuated. Possibly. For example, the plurality of carriers can position the portion of the packaging material that differs from the desired quality in a container. Furthermore, the cutting and / or separating element can be positioned in such a way that after being separated from the packaging material, the batch automatically falls into a container or disposal container.

Embodiments in which the plurality of preferably circumferentially guided carriers have been able to apply the blanks separated from the packaging material to articles on articles during the transport of the blanks separated from the packaging material along the defined movement path have also proven useful.

If packaging material is provided as uninterruptible strip material from a supply roll, it may be that, when the supply roll is completely used up, an end region of the packaging material designed as uninterruptible strip material is not sufficient in area to provide a complete cut. The actual condition may accordingly deviate from a predetermined target condition, or the end portion may thus be separated, if necessary, by means of the cutting and / or separating element from the packaging material received via the plurality of carriers.

In various embodiments, the device may comprise at least one blower via which blanks of packaging material can be acted upon by articles with an air volume flow when applied to the respective composition. As a result, the blanks can optionally be fixed to articles via the air volume flow at the respective assembly, so that at least one carrier connected to the respective blank can leave the respective blank. Such embodiments have been proven to increase throughput in packaging assemblies to articles.

In addition, embodiments in which the device comprises at least one horizontal conveying device via which assemblies of articles can be moved during the application of the blanks have proved to be useful. Furthermore, the device can in this case comprise a switch which can selectively effect a movement below and / or in a transport plane formed by the at least one horizontal conveyor or above a transport plane formed by the at least one horizontal conveyor for the plurality of carriers. It may also be that both paths are arranged after the switch at least partially above the transport level of the article, for example, a path above the article and a path in a plane in which the articles are promoted. In particular, at least one path can also run in a plane above the article. The term "level" in this context can mean "height" or "vertical level".

Furthermore, a siding can be provided, on which unneeded carriers are parked and from which carrier can be introduced into the transport path, for example by means of another switch. This can be useful, for example, if a dimensioning of the packaging of the article changes and thus blanks with smaller or larger length (seen in the transport direction of the carrier) to be processed.

• - kurz vor bzw. im Bereich einer Bereitstellung für Verpackungsmaterial bzw. Vorratsrollen an Verpackungsmaterial und/oder
• - kurz nach einer Bereitstellung für Verpackungsmaterial bzw. Vorratsrollen an Verpackungsmaterial zur Zusammenführung von Strömen an Trägern und/oder
• - kurz vor einem Schneid- und/oder Trennelement zur Aufteilung eines Stromes an Trägen auf unterschiedliche Bahnen und/oder
• - kurz vor einem Erreichen eines Horizontalförderers zur Aufteilung eines Stroms an Trägern, wobei insbesondere ein Träger, der an der Vorderkante eines Zuschnitts ggf. angeordnet ist, einen Pfad einschlägt, der höhenmäßig unterhalb eines Pfads angeordnet ist, der von einem Träger eingeschlagen wird, der am hinteren Ende eines Zuschnitts angeordnet ist, wobei es sein kann, dass der zunächst hinten angeordnete Träger den zunächst vorne angeordneten Träger zeitlich während einer Umhüllung von Stückgütern bzw. Artikeln mit Verpackungsmaterial überholt und/oder
• - kurz nach dem Verlassen eines für die Umhüllung von Artikeln vorgesehenen Bereichs bzw. kurz nach Abtauchen unter eine durch den Horizontalförderer gebildeten Transportebene, wobei Ströme an Trägern zusammengeführt werden und/oder
• - an einer weiteren Position zum Ausleiten der Vielzahl an Träger auf ein Abstellgleis, wobei hierfür alternativ auch die Weiche genutzt werden könnte, welche sich kurz vor oder kurz nach der Bereitstellung oder kurz vor oder kurz nach dem Horizontalförderer befindet. Vorzugsweise kann sich jedoch die Position unterhalb der Transportebene für Artikel befinden.

The apparatus may include switches for the plurality of carriers at at least one of the following positions:

• - shortly before or in the area of provision for packaging material or supply rolls of packaging material and / or
• - shortly after a supply of packaging material or supply rolls of packaging material for the combination of streams to carriers and / or
• - Just before a cutting and / or separating element for dividing a stream of carriers on different tracks and / or
• - Shortly before reaching a horizontal conveyor for dividing a stream of carriers, in particular a carrier, which is optionally arranged at the front edge of a blank, a path strikes a path which is arranged in height below a path which is taken by a carrier, the is arranged at the rear end of a blank, wherein it may be that the initially rearwardly disposed carrier overtakes the initially arranged carrier in time during a wrapping of piece goods or articles with packaging material and / or
• shortly after leaving an area intended for wrapping articles, or shortly after descending under a transport plane formed by the horizontal conveyor, with flows of carriers being brought together and / or
• - At a further position for discharging the plurality of carriers on a siding, which alternatively also the switch could be used, which is located shortly before or shortly after the provision or shortly before or shortly after the horizontal conveyor. Preferably, however, the position may be below the transport level for articles.

It may also be that a plurality of paths are provided, with a first path being provided solely for guiding carriers prepared to engage a respective leading edge of the blanks and a second path being provided solely for guiding carriers connected to the carrier Detecting a respective rear edge of the blanks are prepared.

When gripping or releasing strip material or blanks, a respective carrier or runner can for example be moved laterally through a curve in the guide to the strip material, before a clamping element of the carrier is in the detection range of the strip material or the strip material contacted or clamped.

Alternatively, the clamping element can be laterally moved in and out relative to a main body of the carrier, either via a drive located in the carrier or by a cam control, by moving the carrier past stationary control cams.

The invention further relates to a method for producing blanks of packaging material adapted to assemblies of articles. Features which have already been described above for various embodiments of the device can also be provided in conceivable embodiments of the method according to the invention and are therefore not mentioned redundantly. Furthermore, features described below, which relate to various embodiments of the method, can be used for previously described apparatus.

As part of a first step of the process, packaging material is provided as uninterruptible strip material. In particular, the packaging material can be provided as uninterrupted strip material via at least one supply roll. The packaging material can sit on a core of the supply roll as an uninterrupted strip material and be unwound for the provision of the supply roll. The core of the supply roll can sit on a retaining pin. The holding mandrel can be rotated in an imaginable embodiment for unwinding or for providing the packaging material.

As part of a further step, packaging material is received as uninterrupted strip material by a plurality of carriers and transported after receipt by the plurality of carriers along a defined Verbringungsweges. In this case, it is possible for the multitude of carriers to strip packaging material provided as uninterruptible strip material from a supply roll, whereby the respective holding mandrel is resulting from the removal of the packaging material provided as uninterruptible strip material as a result. The defined movement path can be done twice for the articles or compilations of articles provided transport level.

A further step of the method according to the invention provides for cutting off flat blanks adapted to a particular composition of articles from the packaging material presented as uninterruptible strip material. The cutting flat and tailored to a particular compilation of articles blanks takes place during the transport of the packaging material along the defined Wegingungsweges. In particular, the packaging material presented as interruption-free strip material may, if necessary, be moved without interruption during the separation of individual blanks.

It may also be that in each case at least two directly consecutive carriers to the presented as an uninterrupted strip material packaging material each attack at a certain position, which is defined taking into account a dimensioning of the respective separated from the packaging material sheet blanks.

It may also be the case that the relative distance between a plurality of carriers connected to the severed blank in order to buffer or temporarily store the blanks is reduced in time after the cut-to-size blanks have been cut to a particular composition of articles.

Further, the plurality of carriers can be driven directly and preferably magnetically. In particular, the plurality of carriers can be driven independently, each directly and magnetically. The independent drive of the plurality of carriers can be specified via a control unit.

It may also be that the plurality of carriers, the packaging material receives as an uninterrupted strip material by clamping.

Also, the plurality of carriers may pass through a mechanical actuation mechanism during their orbital motion, thereby effecting receipt of the packaging material as uninterrupted ribbon material for the respective carriers. The mechanical actuating mechanism may optionally come in contact or in operative connection during a circumferential movement with the plurality of carriers, thereby pivoting two gripping fingers formed as part of a respective carrier relative to one another, as a result of which packaging material formed as an uninterrupted strip material is clamped. The mechanical actuating mechanism may comprise at least two rails and / or at least one stop, with which the individual carriers of the plurality are actuated during their orbital motion.

It is also conceivable that a plurality of supplies of packaging material are provided as uninterrupted strip material at the same time, wherein the plurality of carriers is selectively moved for receiving packaging material as uninterruptible strip material in the direction of a first supply or in the direction of a second supply. The plurality of carriers can optionally be moved by driving a switch selectively for receipt of packaging material as uninterrupted strip material in the direction of the first supply or in the direction of the second supply.

Also, if necessary, an actual position of a blank adapted to a respective composition of articles can be detected and / or determined, wherein a movement speed of at least one carrier associated with the respective blank is predetermined, taking into account the respective detected actual position. In such embodiments, a respective blank can be applied to a particular set of articles with high accuracy.

It may furthermore be that an actual condition of the packaging material accepted via the multiplicity of carriers is detected and / or ascertained before the separation. Furthermore, a certain portion of the packaging material, the actual nature of which deviates from a predetermined desired quality, can be separated from the packaging material. In addition, the specific lot can be singled out. In this case, it may be that the plurality of carriers that particular lot is positioned in a container provided for this purpose or that the particular lot falls automatically after separation into a container provided for this purpose.

It is also conceivable that in the course of the transport of the blanks separated from the packaging material along the defined movement path, the blanks separated from the packaging material are applied to assemblies of articles.

In addition, it may be that, during the application of the packaging material, the respective blank is temporarily temporarily set by an air volume flow at the respective assembly. The air flow can come in the direction of coming from above or coming from below against the respective blank.

• - ständiges bzw. kontinuierliches Entnehmen von Bandmaterial von einer Vorratsrolle, Bereitstellen mindestens eines Träger während der ständigen Entnahme auf einem Transportpfad welcher einer weiteren Vorratsrolle mit Bandmaterial zugeordnet ist, Erfassen von Bandmaterial der weiteren Vorratsrolle durch den Träger, Aufbrauchen der einen Vorratsrolle und zeitlich hierauf folgendes Herstellen von Zuschnitten aus dem Verpackungsmaterial der weiteren Vorratsrolle und/oder
• - Erfassen von Bandmaterial oder Zuschnitten an einer bestimmten Position auf dem Bandmaterial oder dem Zuschnitt über einen ersten Träger, Fördern des Bandmaterial mit dem ersten Träger, Freigeben des Bandmaterial über den ersten Träger, Erfassen des Bandmaterial über einen zweiten Träger im Bereich der bestimmten Position auf dem Bandmaterial, Erfassen von Bandmaterial über den ersten Träger, welches Bandmaterial einem weiteren Zuschnitt zugeordnet ist, wobei diese Schritte während eines einzigen Umlaufs des ersten Trägers stattfinden und/oder
• - Erfassen von Bandmaterial oder Zuschnitten über einen ersten Träger, Freigeben des Bandmaterials oder des Zuschnitts durch den ersten Träger, erneutes Erfassen von Bandmaterial oder Zuschnitten durch den ersten Träger, Freigeben des Bandmaterials oder des Zuschnitts durch den ersten Träger, wobei diese vier Schritte während eines Umlaufs stattfinden, und wobei einer dieser Schritte bzw. das jeweilige Erfassen insbesondere bei der Aufnahme von Bandmaterial von der Vorratsrolle erfolgt, und wobei zwei dieser Schritte bzw. das Freigeben und erneute Erfassen insbesondere im Bereich eines Schneid- und/oder Trennelementes erfolgen, und wobei einer dieser Schritte bzw. das Freigeben nach einem Umhüllen von einer Artikelzusammenstellung und vor einer Aufnahme von Folienmaterial erfolgt, und/oder
• - Puffern von Zuschnitten oder unterbrechungsfreiem Bandmaterial durch die Vielzahl an Trägern, zeitlich bevor die jeweiligen Zuschnitte auf die Artikelzusammenstellungen aufgebracht werden, wobei der Abstand mindestens zweier in Transportrichtung unmittelbar aufeinander folgender Träger zueinander verringert wird und/oder
• - Verringerung des Abstands zweier in Transportrichtung unmittelbar aufeinander folgender Träger, welche zwei unmittelbar aufeinander folgenden Träger gemeinsam einen Zuschnitt oder unterbrechungsfreies Bandmaterial transportieren, wobei bei der Verringerung des Abstands der Zuschnitt oder unterbrechungsfreies Bandmaterial gebogen bzw. gefaltet wird und/oder
• - Bilden mindestens einer Falte und/oder Biegung des Zuschnitts oder des unterbrechungsfreien Bandmaterials in einer vorbestimmten Richtung bzw. in Richtung der Horizontalfördereinrichtung der Artikel oder in Gegenrichtung der Horizontalfördereinrichtung der Artikel, beispielsweise mittels eines weiteren Gebläses und/oder mittels statischer Anziehungskraft und/oder
• - Verringern eines Abstands zweier in Transportrichtung unmittelbar aufeinander folgender Träger, welche zwei in Transportrichtung unmittelbar aufeinander folgende Träger unterschiedliche Zuschnitte transportieren und/oder
• - Vergrößern eines Abstands zweier in Transportrichtung unmittelbar aufeinander folgender Träger nachdem der Abstand zeitlich vorausgehend verringert wurde und zeitlich bevor der jeweilige mit den zwei in Transportrichtung in Verbindung stehende Zuschnitt auf die jeweilige Zusammenstellung an Artikel aufgebracht wird und/oder
• - Aufbringen einer definierten Kraft durch einen Träger auf einen Zuschnitt, dessen eines Ende sich bereits zwischen einer Artikelzusammenstellung und dem Horizontalförderer befindet und dessen anderes Ende sich noch im Eingriff bzw. Kontakt mit einem Träger befindet, wobei der Träger bereits unterhalb einer für Artikel vorgesehene Transportebene abgetaucht ist, womit einhergehend eine Spannung der Folie bzw. des um die jeweilige Zusammenstellung an Artikeln geführten Verpackungsmaterials erhöht wird. Durch diesen Verfahrensschritt kann Material eingespart werden und die Zuschnitte verkürzt werden, da kein Verpackungsmaterial ungenutzt um die Artikelzusammenstellung verbracht wird. Die Spannung kann dabei insbesondere derart gewählt werden, dass sie ungefähr einer Reibkraft entspricht, welche zwischen der jeweiligen Zusammenstellung an Artikeln bzw. dem anderen Ende des Zuschnitts und dem Horizontalförderer herrscht.

The method may, in conceivable embodiments, comprise at least one of the following steps:

• - Continuous or continuous removal of strip material from a supply roll, providing at least one carrier during the continuous removal on a transport path which is associated with a further supply roll with strip material, detecting strip material of the further supply roll by the carrier, use of a supply roll and temporally thereto Producing blanks from the packaging material of the further supply roll and / or
• Detecting strip material or blanks at a particular position on the strip material or blank via a first carrier, conveying the strip material with the first carrier, releasing the strip material via the first carrier, detecting the strip material via a second carrier in the region of the determined position the strip material, detecting strip material via the first carrier, which strip material is assigned to a further blank, wherein these steps take place during a single revolution of the first carrier and / or
• Detecting strip material or blanks over a first carrier, releasing the strip material or blank through the first carrier, re-gripping strip material or blanks through the first carrier, releasing the strip material or blank through the first carrier, these four steps during a Circulation take place, and wherein one of these steps or the respective detection takes place in particular in the recording of strip material from the supply roll, and wherein two of these steps or the releasing and re-capture take place in particular in the region of a cutting and / or separating element, and wherein one of these steps or the release after a wrapping of an article composition and before a recording of film material takes place, and / or
• Buffering blanks or uninterrupted strip material by the plurality of carriers, before the respective blanks are applied to the article compositions, wherein the distance between at least two immediately following one another in the transport direction is reduced and / or
• Reducing the distance between two directly consecutive carriers in the direction of transport, which two directly successive carriers together transport a blank or uninterrupted strip material, wherein in reducing the distance the blank or uninterrupted strip material is bent or folded and / or
• - Forming at least one fold and / or bending of the blank or the uninterrupted strip material in a predetermined direction or in the direction of the horizontal conveyor of the article or in the opposite direction of the horizontal conveyor of the article, for example by means of another fan and / or by means of static attraction and / or
• - Reduce a distance between two immediately following in the transport direction carrier, which transport two different in the transport direction immediately consecutive carrier different blanks and / or
• - Increasing a distance between two in the transport direction immediately consecutive carrier after the distance was previously reduced in time and before the respective with the two standing in the transport direction blank is applied to the respective compilation of articles and / or
• - Applying a defined force by a carrier on a blank, one end of which is already between an article assembly and the horizontal conveyor and the other end is still in engagement or contact with a carrier, the carrier already below an intended for article transport plane has submerged, which is accompanied by a tension of the film or of the respective compilation led to articles packaging material is increased. By this process step material can be saved and the blanks are shortened because no packaging material is spent unused around the article composition. The tension can be chosen in particular such that it corresponds approximately to a frictional force which prevails between the respective assembly of articles or the other end of the blank and the horizontal conveyor.

• 1 zeigt eine schematische Ansicht einer ersten Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung;
• 2 zeigt eine schematische Ansicht einer zweiten Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung;
• 3 zeigt eine schematische Ansicht einer dritten Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung;
• 4 zeigt eine schematische Ansicht einer vierten Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung;
• 5 zeigt eine schematische Ansicht einer fünften Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung;
• 6 zeigt eine schematische Ansicht einer sechsten Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung;
• 7 zeigt eine schematische Ansicht eines Greiffingers, wie er als Bestandteil eines Trägers in denkbaren Ausführungsformen der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung vorgesehen sein kann;
• 8 zeigen eine weitere Ausführungsform eines Greiffingers, wie er als Bestandteil eines Trägers in denkbaren Ausführungsformen der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung vorgesehen sein kann;
• 9 zeigen eine weitere Ausführungsform eines Greiffingers, wie er als Bestandteil eines Trägers in denkbaren Ausführungsformen der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung vorgesehen sein kann;
• 10 zeigt einzelne Schritte, wie sie bei einer denkbaren Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens vorgesehen sein können;
• 11 zeigt eine schematische Ansicht einer siebten Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung;
• 12 zeigt eine schematische Ansicht einer achten Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung;
• 13 zeigt eine Schnittansicht gemäß der Linie A-A aus 12.

In the following, embodiments of the invention and their advantages with reference to the accompanying figures will be explained in more detail. The proportions of the individual elements to one another in the figures do not always correspond to the actual size ratios, since some shapes are simplified and other shapes are shown enlarged in relation to other elements for better illustration.

• 1 shows a schematic view of a first embodiment of a device according to the invention;
• 2 shows a schematic view of a second embodiment of a device according to the invention;
• 3 shows a schematic view of a third embodiment of a device according to the invention;
• 4 shows a schematic view of a fourth embodiment of a device according to the invention;
• 5 shows a schematic view of a fifth embodiment of a device according to the invention;
• 6 shows a schematic view of a sixth embodiment of a device according to the invention;
• 7 shows a schematic view of a gripping finger, as it may be provided as part of a carrier in conceivable embodiments of the device according to the invention;
• 8th show a further embodiment of a gripping finger, as it may be provided as part of a carrier in conceivable embodiments of the device according to the invention;
• 9 show a further embodiment of a gripping finger, as it may be provided as part of a carrier in conceivable embodiments of the device according to the invention;
• 10 shows individual steps, as they can be provided in a conceivable embodiment of the method according to the invention;
• 11 shows a schematic view of a seventh embodiment of a device according to the invention;
• 12 shows a schematic view of an eighth embodiment of a device according to the invention;
• 13 shows a sectional view along the line AA 12 ,

For identical or equivalent elements of the invention, identical reference numerals are used. Furthermore, for the sake of clarity, only reference symbols are shown in the individual figures, which are required for the description of the respective figure. The illustrated embodiments are merely examples of how the invention may be configured and are not an exhaustive limitation.

1 shows a schematic view of a first embodiment of a device according to the invention 1 , The device 1 is for applying packaging material 6 on compilations 5 on articles 3 formed during their transport along a transport route.

The transport route is made in the embodiment 1 from three horizontal conveyors 7 formed, which connect 70 with formation of two gaps. A gap 70 is in this case such that the article 3 without tilting from a first horizontal conveyor 7 on one of the first horizontal conveyor 7 subsequent further horizontal conveyor 7 can change. Next, the articles can 3 without tilting from the further horizontal conveyor 7 on a third horizontal conveyor 7 switch, which in 1 is shown on the right side. Between the first horizontal conveyor 7 and the center further illustrated horizontal conveyor 7 In this case, a first gap is formed. In addition, between the other horizontal conveyor 7 and the third horizontal conveyor 7 , what a 1 is shown on the right side, another gap formed. For horizontal conveyors 7 they are conveyor belts, which are the articles 3 transport each standing.

As 1 lets recognize, is on a particular compilation 5 on articles 3 during their transport or during their movement along the horizontal conveyors 7 packing material 6 applied. The device 1 has two deployments 9 , in each of which a packaging material 6 carrying supply roll 12 mounted on a present in the figures patent application not shown, preferably controlled rotatable retaining mandrel. About the supply rolls 12 is thus each packaging material 6 as uninterrupted tape material 8th presented.

Next is a variety of carriers 2 to recognize that as a runner 4 an electromagnetic direct drive are formed. The stator of the electromagnetic direct drive is with numeral 15 represented and forms a closed leadership 16 for those as runners 4 trained carrier 2 , The stator 15 is here positioned so that the runners 4 trained carrier 2 packing material 6 as uninterrupted tape material 8th from a supply roll 12 the two deployments 9 can tap. The stator 15 branches in the area of deployments 9 , wherein by means of a switch 35 who as runners 4 trained carrier 2 for receiving the as uninterruptible band material 8th trained packaging material 6 selectively in the direction of one of the two supply rolls 12 can be moved.

In the electromagnetic direct drive with digit 15 In other embodiments, it may also be a linear guide, not shown. This applies to all described embodiments.

Unless the packaging material 6 a supply roll 12 is used up, the switch becomes 35 operated or switched to run as a runner 4 trained carrier 2 in the direction of the further supply roll 12 to move, of which as a runner 4 trained carrier 2 then as an uninterrupted strip material 8th trained packaging material 6 answer. Since continuously of at least one supply roll 12 as uninterrupted tape material 8th trained packaging material 6 is offered, allows the device 1 an uninterrupted packaging process for as a compilation 5 trained article 3 ,

The two supply rolls 12 are inside the device 1 arranged with their axes perpendicular to a transport direction of the article 70. The connection of the axes in this side view is preferably parallel to the transport direction of the article 3 ,

After receiving the as uninterruptible band material 8th trained packaging material 6 from one of the two supply rolls 12 transport them as runners 4 trained carrier 2 the packaging material 6 along a defined route to the as compilations 5 trained articles 3 , The packaging material 6 is here by means of as a runner 4 trained carrier 2 over several diversions 25 guided and emerges in the course of transport along the defined Wegingungsweges from a through the horizontal conveyors 7 formed conveying level or transport level for articles 3 on. On the baffles 125 may during transport with the carriers 2 also be waived.

Next is a cutting and / or separating element 20 for packaging material 6 shown. The cutting and / or separating element 20 can be attached to a particular compilation 5 on articles 3 customized blanks 13 from the as uninterrupted band material 8th presented packaging material 6 during transport along the defined movement path to separate. From the receipt of the packaging material 6 The packaging material will be on 6 about cutting the blanks 13 beyond interruption by means of runners 4 trained carrier 2 transported. On a vacuum conveyor for transporting individual blanks 13 can be omitted for this reason, so that the device 1 has a compact structure.

1 also shows that as a runner 4 trained carrier 2 as an uninterrupted tape material 8th trained packaging material 6 from the respective supply roll 12 already accept at a position which on the later on the cutting and / or separating elements 20 effected separation of the blanks 13 is tuned. So stand with the blanks 13 at least one ahead of the runner 4 trained carrier 2 and at least one lagging runner 4 trained carrier 2 in connection. Between a lagging carrier 2 and an anticipatory wearer 2 dips the cutting element 20 in the as uninterruptible band material 8th presented packaging material 6 briefly and separates individual blanks 13 from. The as uninterruptible band material 8th trained packaging material 6 is during the separation of the individual blanks 13 moved without interruption.

After the blanks 13 were cut off, the blanks 13 about as a runner 4 trained carrier 2 over the through the horizontal conveyors 7 formed transport plane or above a through the horizontal conveyors 7 aligned transport level. At least one more forward than runner 4 trained carrier 2 happens for this purpose, the previously described and between the first horizontal conveyor 7 and the subsequent subsequent horizontal conveyor 7 trained gap. To those as runners 2 trained carrier 4 to lead this, the stator extends 15 or the guide as well through the gap or passes a transport plane, which through the horizontal conveyors 7 is formed. Alternatively, there is the stator 15 or the guide seen horizontally next to the horizontal conveyors 7 as shown in the figure - not in the image plane, but behind it and / or before it. The "and" refers to the case of two guides / stators left and right seen in the transport direction from the horizontal conveyor 7 ,

After aligning a blank 13 above the through the horizontal conveyors 7 formed transport level drives a respective compilation 5 on articles 3 when changing from the first horizontal conveyor 7 on the further horizontal conveyor 7 on a respective blank 13 on, with the at least one leading and with the respective blank 13 related vehicles 2 the respective cut 13 releases and continues along the as closed guide 16 trained stator 15 in the direction of a supply roll 12 for the re-acceptance of packaging material 6 emotional.

The device 1 Optionally also has a fan 30 , which generates an air volume flow, by means of which air volume flow of the respective blank 13 after emergence from the on the horizontal conveyors 7 formed transport level kraftübeaufschlagt against the respective compilation 5 on articles 3 is guided and / or by means of which air flow a leading edge of a respective blank 13 on the middle horizontal conveyor 7 is blown. The respective at least one lagging with the blank 13 related vehicles 2 can thereby the respective cut 13 leave, with the respective blank 13 or its rear end area over the blower 30 generated airflow subjected to force at the respective compilation 5 is held. The engagement or holding the blank 13 about the anticipatory wearer 2 can thus also shortly after the appearance of the respective carrier 2 about the for article 3 trained transport level.

The at least one lagging runner 4 trained porters 2 , which also with this blank 13 remains in communication during the startup of the respective compilation 5 on the blank 13 with the respective cut 13 longer than the leading carrier 2 in contact. Having a respective compilation 5 completely on the in 1 centrally shown further horizontal conveyor 7 has changed at least one more lagging carrier emerges 2 from the through the horizontal conveyors 7 formed transport level, overtakes the respective compilation 5 and dives in time after overtaking the respective compilation 5 , as in 1 to recognize in a between the right side shown third horizontal conveyor 7 and the center further illustrated horizontal conveyor 7 formed gap 70 below the transport plane.

After diving, he gives at least one more runner 4 trained porters 2 the respective cut 13 free. This allows a respective compilation 5 when changing from the centered horizontal conveyor 7 on the right side shown third horizontal conveyor 7 again on the blank 13 drive up, which accompanied the articles 3 completely over that as a blank 13 trained packaging material 6 be wrapped. The compilation 5 on articles 3 can then enter into a shrink tunnel, not shown, wherein the packaging material 6 or the blank 13 on the respective compilation 5 Shrunk and here a respective container from the compilation 5 with their respective cut 13 is formed. The packaging material 6 is designed for this purpose as a thermoplastic packaging material.

2 shows a schematic view of a second embodiment of a device according to the invention 1 , The embodiment of 2 has a variety of runners 4 trained porters 2 which together with a stator 15 or a guide form a linear motor or an electromagnetic direct drive. in the Area of the horizontal conveyor shown in the middle 7 owns the stator 15 a branch 37 or switch, wherein a first branch below a through the horizontal conveyors 7 formed transport plane is guided and another branch from the through the horizontal conveyors 7 emerged transport level emerges. The first branch may also run at least in regions above or in the transport plane, but is also positioned below the second branch.

A respective anticipatory carrier 2 directs a respective cut 13 above one through the horizontal conveyors 7 trained transport level, so that a respective compilation 5 on articles 3 when crossing from the in 2 Left side shown first horizontal conveyor 7 on the in 2 centrally shown further horizontal conveyor 7 on the respective blank 13 ascends. In particular, a respective anticipatory carrier 2 in the embodiment 2 a respective blank 13 on the center shown further horizontal conveyor 7 hang up, whereupon a respective compilation 5 on articles 3 when transferred to the further horizontal conveyor 7 on the respective cut-out 13 ascends. The anticipatory and as a runner 4 trained porters 2 in this case moves along the first branch, which in particular below that through the horizontal conveyors 7 formed transport level for articles 3 runs.

Having a respective compilation 5 on articles 3 completely on the other horizontal conveyor 7 is followed by another lagging carrier 2 of the respective blank 13 the second or further branch and emerges from the through the horizontal conveyors 7 formed transport level.

The lagging carrier 2 then overtakes the respective compilation 5 on articles 3 and leads the respective as a blank 13 trained packaging material 6 with himself. After overhauling the respective compilation 5 on articles 3 happens the lagging carrier 2 the transport level again and dips below the transport level, with the lagging carrier 2 as a blank 13 trained packaging material 6 releases. When crossing the compilation 5 at articles from the other in 2 centered horizontal conveyor 7 on the third and in 2 right side horizontal conveyor 7 moves the respective compilation 5 on articles 3 on the trailing end of the blank 13 on. After transfer to the third horizontal conveyor 7 is the respective compilation 5 on articles 3 completely from the cut 13 or packaging material 6 envelops.

The other components of the embodiment of a device 1 out 2 correspond to the embodiment of 1 , so according to the description too 1 be referred back.

3 shows a schematic view of a third embodiment of a device according to the invention 1 , The embodiment of 3 has identical components over the embodiment 1 , so that in terms of function and design of the embodiment 3 on 1 be referred back.

Compared to the embodiment 1 the embodiment differs 3 only in the positioning of the fan, on which digit 30 in both embodiments, respectively. That's the fan 30 in 3 below one through the horizontal conveyors 7 formed transport level for articles 3 positioned. On the other hand, the blower is located 30 in 1 above one through the horizontal conveyors 7 formed transport level for articles 3 ,

In the embodiment 3 is about the blower 30 generates an air flow, which is oriented in the upward direction and the between the left side shown first horizontal conveyor 7 and the center further illustrated horizontal conveyor 7 formed gap happens. The over the blower 30 produced and oriented in the upward direction air flow holds a free end of a section already passed through the gap Zuschittes13 so that one with this blank 13 related anticipatory vehicle 2 or runner 4 this cut 13 can leave without leaving the free end of the blank 13 unintentionally moved back into the gap due to its mass

After the respective leading bearer 2 or runner 4 the cut 13 left, drives the compilation 5 on articles 3 on the blank 13 on. The further application of the blank 13 or packaging material 6 on the respective compilation 5 on articles 3 takes place according to the previous description 1 ,

In an embodiment, not shown, the compilation moves 5 on articles 3 on the leading end of the blank 13 or the band material while still engaging a carrier 2 located. A holding force of the carrier 2 is set so that the weight of the compilation 5 sufficient for the cut 13 from the carriers 2 to solve. In particular, the leading end of the blank 13 of the carriers 2 be guided above the transport plane while the articles 3 on the blank 13 mount up. Alternatively, a removal of the front end of the film can be made such that the carrier 2 move away from the horizontal conveyor down and thus the end of the carriers 2 on the horizontal conveyor 7 Is "stripped off".

4 shows a schematic view of a fourth embodiment of a device according to the invention 1 , In the embodiment off 4 is a supply of packaging material 6 one in the provision shown on the right 9 positioned supply roll 12 exhausted. For this reason, by means of the switch 35 the multitude of carriers 2 deflected and in the direction of the supply roll 12 the provision shown on the left 9 led, from which the carrier 2 or runner 4 now packaging material 6 as uninterrupted tape material 8th answer. The provision shown on the right 9 still located core of a former packaging material 6 carrying supply roll 12 may be out of the supply 9 taken and by a new supply roll 12 with packaging material 6 be replaced, in particular automatically.

In practice, it may be that a remainder or an end portion of the on a supply roll 12 wrapped packaging material 6 flat is not enough to make a complete cut 13 train. Such a remainder or end region forms a reject 47 , which for at least approximately homogeneous formation of the blanks 13 from the packaging material 6 , which as an uninterruptible band material 8th is formed, is separated.

To recognize is a sensor 46 which is an actual condition of the uninterruptible strip material 8th trained packaging material 6 recognizes. Here, the sensors 46 Determine if a particular area or a specific lot of uninterrupted tape material 8th or packaging material 6 according to 4 by area not for a cut 13 sufficient. The cutting and / or separating element 20 stands with the sensors 46 in operative connection and can, taking into account the means of the sensor 46 Reality recognized a detachment of the committee 47 from the uninterrupted strip material 8th or packaging material 6 cause. The committee 47 can then be in a container 48 collected or in a container 48 to be placed.

The container 48 can also be directly under the supply rolls 12 which is indicated by reference numeral 48 'in FIG. In this case, the sensor 46 'is located between the supply rollers 12 and the container 48 '.

In the area of the committee 47 creates a gap between carriers 2 or runners 4 immediately following blanks 13 , In order to avoid delays during the packing process, it can therefore be provided that the carrier 2 or runner 4 which are in a flow direction of the packaging material 6 Cutting to the gap 13 Keep up to speed accordingly and on this blank 13 anticipatory cut 13 catch. A control of the movement of the individual carriers 2 or runner 4 can be predetermined via a control unit 72. A respective speed of a carrier 2 or runner 4 can therefore be independent of a speed of another carrier 2 or runner 4 be specified.

The control unit 72 is also present in the further described embodiments and controls all drives (film roll rotation, support, horizontal conveyor, cutting and / or separating element, sensor).

5 shows a schematic view of a fifth embodiment of a device according to the invention 1 , The device 1 is according to the embodiment of 2 formed and differs from this embodiment only in the configuration of the branch, which digit 37 in the 2 and 5 each refers.

According to the embodiment of 2 owns the stator 15 or the guide a first branch, which below one for the article 3 provided and by the horizontal conveyors 7 trained transport plane is positioned. Along the first branch become carriers 2 or runner 4 moves, which is a respective blank 13 align so that a respective compilation 5 on articles 3 at the crossing of the first and in 5 Left side horizontal conveyor 7 on the further and in 5 centered horizontal conveyor 7 ascends. The first branch may still be above or in the for article 3 be formed transport plane or above upper in one for the article 3 formed transport level.

In addition, by the stator 15 a plurality of second branches are formed, each above a certain vertical level above that through the horizontal conveyors 7 trained transport plane and run above the first branch. In practice, about the device 1 several compilations 5 which may be packed in terms of their respective number of items 3 and / or a respective dimensioning of the articles 3 or vertical extension of the article 3 differ. The plurality of second branches or the course of the stator 15 in the area the plurality of second branches is in this case to the several different compilations 5 adapted, so even for compilations 5 that differ in terms of number and / or sizing of their articles 3 differ from each other, accurately positioned packaging material 6 or blanks 13 on the respective compilation 5 can be applied. For the embodiment 5 is a control unit 72 (see. 4 ), which information regarding respective articles to be packaged 3 or compilations 5 on articles 3 can be specified. The control unit 72 stands for the movement of runners 4 trained carrier 2 with the stator 15 in connection and can take into account the information independently a movement of the as a runner 4 effect formed carrier along a respective specific one of the second branches.

6 shows a schematic view of a sixth embodiment of a device according to the invention 1 , The device 1 is according to the embodiment of 4 formed and differs from this embodiment only in the configuration of the stator 15 or the closed leadership 16 , 6 shows here that the stator 15 or the closed leadership 16 below one through the horizontal conveyors 7 trained transport plane and in the region of between the center further illustrated horizontal conveyor 7 and the right side illustrated third horizontal conveyor 7 provided gap a loop 49 educated. About the loop 49 become the carriers 2 or runner 4 after descent below the transport plane with a directional component performed, which partially in parallel and / or at an angle of 73 ° to 75 ° to the conveying direction or transport direction of the horizontal conveyor 7 is oriented. In practice, embodiments according to 6 proven to be a custom blank 13 for a passage of a compilation 5 from the center shown further horizontal conveyor 7 on the right side shown third horizontal conveyor 7 optimized to align.

7 shows a schematic view of a gripping finger 50 as he is part of a carrier 2 (see. 1 to 6 ) in conceivable embodiments of the device according to the invention 1 can be provided. A gripping finger according to 7 can mechanically to a possibly as a runner 4 trained carrier 2 be coupled and by means of possibly as a runner 4 trained carrier along the stator 15 or along the closed guide 16 to be moved. To the gripping finger 50 according to this view in the embodiments of 1 to 6 you would have to rotate it 90 ° around a vertical axis, so that the joint 74 laterally from the blanks 13 protrudes.

The gripping finger 50 has two opposite contact areas 52 , The contact area 52 act to clamp accepting packaging material 6 together. For this, the contact areas 52 For example, be formed by rubber to optimize friction between the packaging material 6 and the contact areas 52 to be able to train.

Next has the gripper finger 50 two thighs 54 which cooperate mechanically to the contact area 52 to spread or to a delivery movement for the contact areas 52 perform. The two thighs 54 are for a respective delivery movement of the contact areas 52 or for a respective spreading of the contact areas 52 pivoted relative to each other. About a relative movement of the two legs 54 each other can be packaging material 6 therefore clamping over the contact areas 52 be received. Unless the packaging material 6 or blanks 13 on packaging material 6 from the gripper finger 50 to be released, the two thighs 54 pivoted again in the opposite direction to each other.

8th show a further embodiment of a gripping finger 50 as he is part of a carrier 2 in conceivable embodiments of the device according to the invention 1 can be provided. The gripping finger 50 from the embodiment 8th has two opposite contact areas 52 , which is used for the clamping detection of packaging material 6 can be delivered and for the release of packaging material 6 can be spread. The delivery and spreading of the contact area 52 done by relative pivoting of the legs 54 to each other. The thigh 54 are activated by a spring-loaded cam 58 in the relative position according to 8A held each other, wherein the contact areas 52 packing material 6 can hold clamped.

8A and 8B In addition, let two parallel rails 59 detect. A synopsis of 8A and 8B clarifies that a relative spacing of the rails 59 to each other in 8B across from 8A is less formed. By reducing the relative spacing of the rails 59 each other can be the cam 58 be turned, resulting in the legs 54 be pivoted to each other and the contact areas 52 packing material 6 release. The rails 59 can be in the area of the stator 15 or the closed leadership 16 (see. 1 to 6 ), wherein the reduction of the relative spacing of the rails 59 according to 8B in the area of deployments 9 and functionally before receiving the as uninterruptible band material 8th trained packaging material 6 is present. The rails 59 extend in particular along a curve or axis perpendicular to the image plane.

9 show a further embodiment of a gripping finger 50 as he is part of a carrier 2 in conceivable embodiments of the device according to the invention 1 can be provided. According to the embodiment of 8th owns the gripper finger 50 two contact area 52 , which for clamping receiving packaging material 9 interact. The contact areas 52 can by pivoting each of the two legs 54 be delivered and spread. a pivoting of the two legs 54 is done with the help of the cam 58 causes, which in the in 9a shown position, the two legs 54 held in its spaced position under bias by spring force.

9 also show an actuator 60 which the respective carrier 2 together with the respective gripper finger 50 while moving along the stator 15 or along the closed guide 16 happen. A lever 56 of the respective gripper finger 50 in this case comes into contact with the actuator 60 and is then, according to a synopsis of 9a and 9b pivoted. About the pivoting of the lever 56, the cam 58 be rotated, with the relative spacing of the legs 54 changed each other and the contact areas 52 can be selectively spread or delivered. This may be packaging material 6 at the position after 9a clamped accepted and in the position after 9b be released.

For the sake of completeness it should be mentioned that a pivoting of two legs 54 for a gripper finger 50 according to respective embodiment of the 7 to 9 possibly also via at least two carriers 2 or runner 4 can be effected, the pivoting of the legs 54 and an accompanying advancing or spreading movement of the contact areas 52 interact. The at least two carriers 2 or runner 4 can do this mechanically to the thighs 54 be coupled.

10 shows individual steps, as they may be provided in a conceivable embodiment of the method according to the invention. Thus, as part of a first step of the process packaging material 6 as uninterrupted tape material 8th provided.

Next is the packaging material 6 as uninterrupted tape material 8th through a variety of straps 2 received and the variety of carriers 2 transported along a defined transport path. Also become areal and to a respective compilation 5 on articles 3 customized blanks 13 from the as uninterrupted band material 8th presented packaging material 6 separated during its transport along the defined Verbringungsweges.

The from the packaging material 6 severed blanks 13 be about the wearer 2 transported along the defined movement path. Subsequently, a respective compilation 5 on articles 3 with a respective cut 13 on packaging material 6 Mistake.

In one embodiment, not shown, the method steps and device features may also be without direct tapping of the strip material from the supply rolls 12 take place or be carried out. In this case, the strip material is a settlement by means of deflection rollers of one of the two supply rollers 12 taken and passes only after a further transport to the transport system with the carriers 2 , In particular, this can be done with already cut blanks 13 be the case. Here then grab the carrier 2 first the blanks 13 after that with a cutting and / or separating element 20 caused disconnections.

11 shows in particular the cutting and / or separating element 20 in a position seen in the transport direction in the first two-thirds, preferably on the first third of the transport path of the strip material or the blanks 13 ,

Further indicated are two loops or bends 76 indicated when buffering the blanks 13 or reducing the distances of the carriers 2 arise. The same can alternatively or additionally also with the not yet cut strip material on a route from the provision to the separating element 20 , indicated with loop 76 'happen.

In 12 is a cutting and / or separating element 20 provided, which divides the strip material along its transport direction in two lanes. Near position 80 at or after the separator 20 dive other vehicles 2 or runner 4 over another stator 78 in the transport plane of the strip material and grab the middle pages. The further stator 78 is also formed closed circumferentially and extends partially parallel to the stator 15 , The horizontal conveyors 7 are split in transport direction, so that the carrier 2 or runner 4 the other stator 78 also by the transport level of the article 3 can emerge.

13 shows a sectional view along the line AA 12 , Here is the principle of keeping the uninterrupted strip material 8th respectively. the blanks 13 out 12 shown from a different perspective.

From the rotating knife 77 with rotation axis 77a becomes the uninterrupted band material 8th along its longitudinal axis parallel to the transport direction in two uninterrupted paths 8a divided up. Then it will be with the rotating rollers 21 (Rotation axis parallel to that of the knife 77 ) or their blades 22 in blanks 13 separated apart. Instead of the rotating knife 77a and / or rollers 21 may be provided in conceivable further embodiments, a laser.

The carriers 2 accompany not shown guides or stators the outer edges 100a . 100b of the uninterrupted strip material 8th , On the rotating knife 77 A path of leadership leads the porters 2 on both sides slightly further away from the center plane of the device 1 , which path is perpendicular to the image plane and perpendicular to the knife axis 77a and through the knife 77 runs. In the area of the rotating knife 77 dive in 13 Centered carrier 2 between both uninterrupted paths 8a in the area of the film level and engage an inner edge 100c the railways. Shown here are double carriers, which each have two contact areas 52 (see. 9 ) in order to detect both tracks can. It would also be conceivable, for each lane own carrier 2 each to be used on the inside.

The carriers 2 can in the area of the cutting and / or separating element 20 one between two blades 22 pass area without contact, without in this case the uninterrupted strip material 8th is released. It is also conceivable that the carriers 2 here the uninterrupted strip material 8th release temporarily, either by releasing a clamping and retracting the gripper relative to the carrier 2 or by a deflection of the guide and / or a change in the path of the guide or the stator 15 around the rollers 21 around. In a vicinity of the rollers 20 can the carriers 2 take the band material again. When releasing can be another carrier 2 briefly the resulting blank 13 take hold near its leading edge, so that it is guided throughout the duration of the cutting. The releasing carrier 2 can in hindsight form the back guide.

As in 13 shown on the left, becomes a blank 13 on four corners each of four straps 2 transported.

In the further course reach the carriers 2 with the cut 13 the divided along the median plane horizontal conveyor 7 (shown here from below), in whose area the blanks 13 about the schematically indicated compilations 5 on articles 3 be applied.

Next are the middle carriers 2 again past the deployments 9 back to the separator 77 guided. The outer straps 2 will go back to the deployments 9 guided. ( 12 ).

In 12 is further to recognize the already mentioned optional siding, which is connected via a Einführweiche and a transfer point to the production path. There may also be three or four sidings for.

Furthermore you can see in 12 still the carrier 2 , which is on the path of the supply roll currently not in use 12 is arranged and to a receipt of the end of a newly inserted supply roll 12 waits while more carriers 2 via another path to another supply roll 12 be guided and from this packaging material 6 remove.

Also shown is a receiving element 120 , Which automatically via sensors, not shown, one end of the newly inserted supply roll 12 on the right side and to the wearer 2 can lead. At the receiving element 120 it may be, for example, a vacuum suction bar or a clamping element, which at least between supply roll 12 and carriers 2 is movable and which the end to the carrier 2 can pass. This can for both supply rolls 12 be used. It is also conceivable that every supply roll 12 a separate recording element 120 assigned.

The above principles to the 12 and 13 are also applicable to the other embodiments already described.

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

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

contraption

2

carrier

3

items

4

runner

5

compilation

6

packing material

7

Horizontal conveyor

8th

Uninterrupted tape material

8a

Uninterrupted train

9

provision

12

supply roll

13

cut

15

stator

16

Closed leadership

20

Cutting and / or separating element

21

roller

22

blade

25

redirection

30

fan

35

switch

37

branch

46

sensors

47

committee

48

container

49

loop

50

gripping fingers

52

contact area

54

leg

58

cam

59

rail

60

jig

72

control unit

74

joint

76

bending

77

Rotating knife

77a

axis of rotation

78

Another stator

100a

outer edge

100b

outer edge

100c

inner edge

120

receiving element

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• EP 2368825 A1 [0003]

Claims (23)

Device (1) for producing blanks (13) of packaging material (6) adapted to assemblies (5) on articles (3) at least one provision (9) via which packaging material (6) can be presented as uninterruptible strip material (8), - A plurality of preferably circumferentially guided carriers (2), which receive the packaging material (6) each as uninterruptible band material (8) of the at least one provision (9) and can transport along a defined Wegingungsweges and at least one cutting and / or separating element (20) for packaging material (6) positioned in the region of the defined movement path, wherein the at least one cutting and / or separating element (20) for separating flat and to a respective compilation (5) of articles (3) adapted blanks (13) from the packaging material (6) presented as interruption-free strip material (8) during its transport along the defined movement path. Device after Claim 1 , in which the plurality of carriers (2) is formed as part of an electromagnetic direct drive. Device after Claim 1 or Claim 2 in which successive supports (2) are movable relative to one another in their relative spacing. Device after Claim 3 in which immediately consecutive carriers (2) of the plurality can assume a specific spacing which takes account of a specific dimensioning of the respective blanks (13) when receiving the packaging material (6) as uninterrupted strip material (8). Device according to one of Claims 1 to 4 comprising a switch (35) which for the plurality of carriers (2) can selectively effect receipt of the packaging material (6) as uninterruptible strip material (8) from a first supply (9) or a second supply (9). Device according to one of Claims 1 to 5 comprising, in particular, a mechanical, magnetic or electrical actuation mechanism for the plurality of supports (2), which mechanical, magnetic or electrical actuation mechanism the plurality of supports (2) in their circumferential guide for preferably clamped receiving the packaging material (6) as an uninterruptible strip material ( 8) happen. Device according to one of Claims 1 to 6 in which the multiplicity of carriers (2) are each designed for the clamping reception of the packaging material (6). Device according to one of Claims 1 to 7 , comprising at least one sensor (46), which is functionally arranged upstream of the cutting and / or separating element (20), wherein an actual condition of the packaging material (6) received via the plurality of carriers (2) via the at least one sensor system (46) ) can be recognized and wherein the at least one cutting and / or separating element (20) for separating and separating a deviating from a desired condition batch of the packaging material (6) is controllable. Device according to one of Claims 1 to 8th in which the plurality of preferably circumferentially guided carriers (2) guide the blanks (13) separated from the packaging material (6) onto assemblies (5) during the transport of the blanks (13) separated from the packaging material (6) along the defined movement path Can apply articles. Device after Claim 9 comprising an optical detection device, preferably designed as a camera, by means of which an actual position of the blanks (13) adapted to a respective assembly (5) on articles (3) is recognizable, wherein a movement speed of at least one with a respective blank (13) in Connected carrier (2) defined under consideration of the respective detected actual position can be specified. Device after Claim 9 or 10 comprising at least one fan (30), via which blanks (13) of packaging material (6) when applied to the respective compilation (5) on articles (3) can be acted upon with an air flow. Device according to one of Claims 9 to 11 comprising at least one horizontal conveyor (7) via which assemblies (5) are movable on articles (3) during application of the blanks (13) and comprising a switch (37) which selectively moves below the plurality of supports (2) a transport plane formed by the at least one horizontal conveyor device (7) or above a transport plane formed by the at least one horizontal conveyor device (7). Method for producing blanks (13) from packaging material (6) adapted to assemblies (5) on articles (3), the method comprising the following steps: Providing packaging material (6) as uninterruptible strip material (8), accepting the packaging material (6) as uninterruptible strip material (8) by a plurality of carriers (2) and transporting the packaging material (6) through the plurality of carriers (2) a defined delivery path after receiving, - separating cut-to-size and to a respective compilation (5) adapted to articles (3) blanks (13) from the packaging material (6) presented as uninterruptible band material (8), wherein the separating flat and to a respective compilation on blanks (13) adapted to articles (3) during transport of the packaging material (6) along the defined movement path. Method according to Claim 13 in which in each case at least two immediately consecutive supports (2) engage the packaging material (6) presented as uninterruptible strip material (8) at a specific position which, taking into account a dimensioning of the respective sheet-like blanks (13) to be separated from the packaging material (6) ) defined. Method according to Claim 13 or Claim 14 in which the relative distance between a plurality of blanks (13) connected to the cut blanks (13) for buffering the blanks (13) is separated by the blanks (13) adapted to a respective composition (5) on articles (3) ) is reduced. Method according to one of Claims 13 to 15 in which the plurality of carriers (2) are directly and preferably magnetically driven. Method according to one of Claims 13 to 16 in which the plurality of carriers (2) accept the packaging material (6) in a clamping manner as uninterrupted strip material (8). Method according to one of Claims 13 to 17 in which the plurality of carriers (2) pass through a mechanical actuating mechanism during their circulating movement, which in this case brings about receipt of the packaging material (6) as uninterrupted strip material (8) for the respective carriers (2). Method according to one of Claims 13 to 18 in which a plurality of supplies of packaging material (6) are provided as uninterruptible strip material (8) at the same time, the plurality of carriers (2) being selective for receiving packaging material (6) as uninterruptible ribbon material (8) towards a first supply or in direction a second supply to be moved. Method according to one of Claims 13 to 19 in which an actual condition of the packaging material (6) accepted via the plurality of carriers (2) is detected and / or detected before the separation, and - a specific portion of the packaging material (6) whose actual condition is of a predetermined nominal value Nature, is separated from the packaging material (6) and - this particular batch is discarded. Method according to one of Claims 13 to 20 in which, during the transport of the blanks (13) separated from the packaging material (6) along the defined movement path, the blanks (13) separated from the packaging material (6) are applied to assemblies (5) on articles (3). Method according to Claim 21 in which an actual position of a blank (13) adapted to a respective assembly (5) on articles (3) is detected and / or detected, a movement speed of at least one carrier (2) associated with the respective blank (13) ) is defined under consideration of the respective recognized actual position. Method according to Claim 21 or 22 in which the respective blank (13) is temporally fixed during the application of the packaging material (6) by an air volume flow at the respective assembly (5).

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