DE102017103829A1 - Handling and folding device and method for unfolding and inserting a subdivision element in an outer packaging - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a handling and folding device (10) for a dividing element (2) which can be arranged within an outer packaging (1) and to a method for unfolding and inserting a dividing element (2) into an outer packaging (1). The dividing element (2) is formed as a blank with at least one folding line (3, 4). The handling and folding device (10) comprises a magazine (7) for subdivision elements (2), at least one holding device (8) for the subdivision elements (2), a transport device (9) for the outer packaging (1) and at least one contact surface (12 , 13) for the dividing element (2). The subdivision element (2) is at least partially brought into contact with the at least one contact surface (12, 13). In this case, the subdivision element (2) is folded over along the at least one fold line (3, 4). Subsequently, the folded dividing element (2) is inserted into the outer packaging (1).

Description

The present invention relates to a handling and folding device for a dividing element which can be arranged within an outer packaging and to a method for unfolding and inserting a dividing element into an outer packaging according to the features of the preambles of claims 1 and 11.

Today, it is important to adapt packaging flexibly to various articles to be arranged within the packaging in a wide range of industries. In particular, for the packaging of beverage containers, such as filled glass bottles within carton outer packaging or the like, subdivisions are often made to protect the bottles to separate the bottles within the carton outer packaging and in particular to prevent direct contact of the bottles with each other which could cause damage to the bottles during transport.

For this purpose, for example, so-called compartments are used, which are often referred to as webs or bridge inserts. Compartments are often made of solid or corrugated board. Solid cardboard compartments form a solid unit and prevent the movement of the articles during transport. On the other hand, corrugated board compartments provide padding for the articles, since the corrugated cardboard is compressed during transport.

The publication EP 3 012 201 A describes a method and apparatus for mounting and erecting collapsed or collapsed cartons into upright compartments. The cardboard is held on a Kartonagewand their upper flat side coming from above. In addition, the cardboard is held on a Kartonagewand their lower flat side from below. By an opposite pulling the vertical distance between the cardboard wall, on which the cardboard is held on its upper flat side, and the cardboard wall, on which the cardboard is held on its lower flat side, so far increased until the cardboard pulled up to a horizontal compartment is. Subsequently, the compartment is tilted about a horizontal pivot axis to set it up and lift, for example, in a cardboard outer packaging.

The object of the invention is to provide an inexpensively producible outer packaging for articles, wherein be provided within the outer packaging subdivisions in order to reduce the contact between the articles to be arranged within the outer packaging at least.

The object is achieved by a handling and folding device for an arrangeable within a repackaging subdivision element and a method for unfolding and inserting a subdivision element in an outer packaging, comprising the features in the claims 1 and 11.

An outer packaging to be subdivided is formed in the present case by a cardboard outer packaging, for example an RSC cardboard, top-load cardboard, side-load cardboard, basket, tray or the like. The outer packaging does not necessarily have to be formed from a cardboard material, there are also other suitable sheet materials in question, for example, film-coated composite board, etc., which can be folded into a corresponding outer packaging.

A subdivision element used for subdivision can likewise preferably be made of a blank made of a flat cardboard material or the like. exist, in particular a material which is substantially rigid, but can be folded or folded over predefined fold lines. In this case, too, it is possible, for example, to use film-coated composite cardboard, a rigid, flat plastic or another suitable material.

The outer packaging is preferably prepared such that it is open on one side, through which opening the dividing element and the articles can be filled into the outer packaging.

The fold lines are preferably introduced by grooves or scratches or by grooves in the dividing element. When grooves or scratches along the future fold line material from the cardboard material o.ä. cut out. This method is used i.d.R. only with extremely thick materials. More often, the fold lines are generated by the so-called grooves. Here, the cardboard material or the like. compressed or displaced along the fold line. At the edges of the groove thereby a bead builds up, which prevents the tearing of the material when folding.

The at least one fold line subdivides the subdivision element into at least two subregions, in particular a holding region and at least one lateral subarea. A subdivision element with two substantially parallel fold lines is subdivided by these, in particular into a central subarea and two lateral subareas. Preferably, the middle portion corresponds to the holding area.

The handling and folding device comprises a magazine for the flat blanks of Dividing elements. Furthermore, at least one holding device is provided, which can each remove a subdivision element from the magazine. In particular, it is provided that the holding device detects and holds the dividing element only in the so-called holding area. The at least one lateral portion, however, is not detected by the holding device and / or detained. The already prepared outer packaging, in which the dividing element is to be introduced, is supplied in particular by a transport device. Furthermore, at least one contact surface is provided for the subdivision element. By an at least partially abutment of the subdivision element to the at least one contact surface, the subdivision element is folded over at least one fold line, so that an angle between two adjoining subregions of the subdivision element is formed, wherein the fold line forms the apex of the angle. Preferably, the abutment of the at least one lateral subregion of the subdivision element, which is not grasped and held by the holding device, takes place against the at least one abutment surface.

The subdividing element folded in this way can now be inserted into the outer packaging, whereby it is subdivided into a plurality of transport compartments. In these transport compartments now articles can be introduced, which are at least partially separated and / or spaced apart by the dividing element. Preferably, the dividing element prevents direct contact between the articles, so that they do not abut or rub against one another during transport.

According to a first preferred embodiment of the invention, the transport device for the outer packaging is arranged below the at least one contact surface. The outer packaging is transported in a transport direction on the transport device, wherein the outer packaging for inserting the dividing element is arranged below the at least one contact surface. After the subdivision element has been folded and inserted into the outer packaging, the now subdivided outer packaging is preferably moved further in the transport direction via the transport device and fed to the filling by articles and the optionally subsequent closing of the subdivided and filled outer packaging.

On the transport device an outer packaging with a rectangular base is arranged in particular such that at least two lateral boundaries are arranged parallel to the transport direction and the other two lateral boundaries are arranged orthogonal to the transport direction. The at least one contact surface is arranged in a plane which extends perpendicular to the transport direction and at an angle not equal to 0 ° and / or not equal to 90 ° to the transport direction. Thus, the at least one contact surface is arranged obliquely to the lateral boundaries of the outer packaging on the transport device.

The at least one contact surface is assigned at least one adjusting device. In particular, it is a height adjustment, so that the at least one contact surface can be arranged in different height levels above the transport device. For example, a stepless height adjustment via a lifting column or a spindle adjustment is possible, which allows either manual or automated adjustment of the arrangement of the contact surface to different height levels of outer packaging.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the at least one holding device for the dividing element is rotatable and that for folding the dividing element is a rotation, in particular a rotation about 90 °, about an approximately perpendicular to the transport plane for the outer packaging rotating axis. The rotation causes a corresponding rotation of the subdivision element held by the holding device, as a result of which the at least one lateral subregion, which is not grasped and / or gripped by the holding device, is brought into abutment with the abutment surface at least in regions, thereby folding the subdivision element along the at least causes a fold line. In particular, the at least one first lateral portion is bent or folded relative to the holding portion.

The holding device is further variable in height and can be adjusted by an upwardly or downwardly directed movement relative to the at least one contact surface and relative to the arranged below the contact surface overpack. In particular, the folding of the dividing element takes place in a first working height of the holding device. Subsequently, the folded dividing element is introduced by lowering the holding device in the outer packaging and arranged by releasing the holding operation or by releasing the holding device within the outer packaging. For example, the holding device comprises vacuum cups, which attach in the holding area of the dividing element. By applying a vacuum or sufficiently strong negative pressure, the dividing element is held. By discharging the vacuum or lowering the negative pressure is the folded and inserted into the outer packaging or inserted subdivision of the Holding device solved. The movement of the subdivision element for insertion into the outer packaging, ie, the downward movement of the holding device takes place here substantially parallel to the fold lines of the subdivision element.

By lifting the holding device it is removed from the outer packaging. The subdivided outer packaging can now be loaded with articles. This can be done directly within the handling and folding device. Alternatively, the subdivided outer packaging is fed to a placement module, in which the articles are inserted from above into the subdivided outer packaging.

The at least one contact surface can be designed as an exchangeable format part. In particular, the at least one contact surface is arranged on a base plate, which has a passage opening for the subdivision element, which essentially corresponds to the base surface of the outer packaging to be subdivided. The contact surface is perpendicular to the base plate and arranged at an angle to one of the sides of the passage opening, wherein the contact surface can engage at least partially in the region of the passage opening. The format part together with the base plate with at least one contact surface can be replaced manually or automatically in a format change simply as a whole unit.

Alternatively it can be provided that the at least one contact surface is rotatably arranged on a base plate, so that the angle of the at least one contact surface relative to the sides of the passage opening or the sides of the outer packaging can be changed and adjusted. The contact surface is in particular rotatable about an axis of rotation perpendicular to the transport direction of the outer packaging or about an axis of rotation which is parallel to the insertion direction with which the dividing element is inserted into the outer packaging. During a product change, the connection between the contact surface and the base plate is released, the new angle is adjusted and the contact surface is fixed in the new arrangement.

The insertion of the folded dividing element in the outer packaging can be further supported by guide elements. These are arranged for example on the underside of the base plate. The guide elements may be formed as guide profiles or profile elements, which extend below the at least one contact surface of opposite corners of the passage opening obliquely downwards and in the direction of the center of the passage opening. In particular, the arrangement and design of the guide elements on the base plate is adapted to the respective subdivision element.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one contact surface and the at least one guide element form an exchangeable format part. In particular, the at least one contact surface and the at least one guide element are arranged on a common base plate with passage opening and form the format part, in a product change as a unit against another suitable format part, for example with a larger or smaller passage opening, with a different number of contact surfaces and / or can be replaced with another design and / or arrangement of guide elements.

For example, the dividing element is formed as a blank with two fold lines. The dividing element has a defined width between the outer sides parallel to the fold lines. The middle partial area formed between the two fold lines serves in particular as a holding area for the holding device of the handling and folding device. Laterally to each of a first and second lateral portion is arranged. The handling and folding device comprises two contact surfaces. The dividing element is gripped by the holding device in the middle subregion or holding region and positioned between the two abutment surfaces. By a rotation of the holding device by about 90 °, the dividing element is also rotated by 90 °. Preferably, the two contact surfaces are arranged parallel to each other and are at a distance from each other, which is smaller than the width of the partitioning element. As a result of the rotation of the subdivision element, the first lateral subregion comes into contact or contact with one of the abutment surfaces, and the second lateral subregion comes into contact or in abutment with the other abutment surface. Since the distance between the contact surfaces is smaller than the width of the subdivision element, the system causes between the lateral portions and the contact surfaces in each case a bending of the lateral portions, since the partition member is hindered by the contact surfaces in the rotation. The bending of the lateral subregions takes place along the predefined fold lines, since these represent a weakening of the material or offer a specific compliance against kinking about a rectilinear bending line. In this case, for example, a dividing element forms in a Z-shape.

The features described above also apply to embodiments of a handling and folding device in which so-called side-load cardboard boxes are used, ie lying cardboard boxes with a lateral opening. In this case, the at least one contact surface is assigned to the transport device for the outer packaging such that the dividing element is laterally attached to the at least one contact surface is introduced and can be brought into contact with this. Subsequently, the dividing element is pushed further into the outer packaging. In particular, a dividing element equipped with two folding lines is inserted from the side between two contact surfaces, and by rotation the two lateral sections are brought into contact with the two contact surfaces and folded accordingly.

Furthermore, such a handling and folding device can also be used to divide open on the bottom side outer packaging, which are then slipped over article compilations or in the article compilations are inserted from below. Here, the contact surfaces are arranged in particular on the underside of a base plate with a passage opening analogous to the bottom-side opening of the outer packaging. The subdivision element is assigned to the at least one contact surface from below, for example inserted between the contact surfaces. After at least one lateral subregion of the subdivision element has been folded over, the subdivision element is inserted into the outer packaging at the top. In this context, it may be advantageous to fix the subdivision element within the outer packaging. For example, the subdivision element can be folded in such a way that, after being arranged within the outer packaging, it partially relaxes again and in so doing is braced within the outer packaging and thereby held securely. Alternatively, a gluing point or similar. prior to insertion of the subdivision element into the outer packaging in such a way to be attached to the subdivision element that this is then at least partially fixed in the outer packaging by an adhesive contact.

• 1 zeigt schematisch die Schritte eines Verfahrens zum Auffalten und Einsetzen eines Unterteilungselements in eine Umverpackung.
• 2A zeigt eine Draufsicht auf eine Umverpackung mit einer ersten Ausführungsform eines Unterteilungselements.
• 2B zeigt eine Draufsicht auf eine mit Artikeln beladene Umverpackung gemäß 2A.
• 2C zeigt eine Draufsicht auf eine Umverpackung mit einer zweiten Ausführungsform eines Unterteilungselements.
• 2D zeigt eine Draufsicht auf eine mit Artikeln beladene Umverpackung gemäß 2C.
• 2E zeigt eine Draufsicht auf eine alternativ beladene Umverpackung gemäß 2C.
• 3 zeigt eine perspektivische Darstellung eines Faltmoduls mit zwei Anlageflächen von oben.
• 4 zeigt eine perspektivische Darstellung eines Faltmoduls mit zwei Anlageflächen von unten.
• 5 zeigt eine Darstellung eines Faltmoduls mit zwei Anlageflächen von oben.
• 6 zeigt eine seitliche Darstellung eines Faltmoduls mit zwei Anlageflächen.
• 7 zeigt eine Darstellung eine Halteeinrichtung mit ungefaltetem Unterteilungselement.
• 8 zeigt eine Darstellung eine Halteeinrichtung mit gefaltetem Unterteilungselement.
• 9 zeigt eine Darstellung eines Faltmoduls gemäß 3 in Verbindung mit der Anordnung einer Umverpackung.
• 10A bis 10D zeigen den zeitlichen Ablauf des Auffalten und Einsetzen eines Unterteilungselements in eine Umverpackung vermittels eines Faltmoduls gemäß 3.

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 schematically shows the steps of a method for unfolding and inserting a dividing element in an outer packaging.
• 2A shows a plan view of an outer packaging with a first embodiment of a dividing element.
• 2 B shows a plan view of an article loaded with outer packaging according to 2A ,
• 2C shows a plan view of an outer packaging with a second embodiment of a dividing element.
• 2D shows a plan view of an article loaded with outer packaging according to 2C ,
• 2E shows a plan view of an alternatively loaded outer packaging according to 2C ,
• 3 shows a perspective view of a folding module with two contact surfaces from above.
• 4 shows a perspective view of a folding module with two contact surfaces from below.
• 5 shows a representation of a folding module with two contact surfaces from above.
• 6 shows a side view of a folding module with two contact surfaces.
• 7 shows a representation of a holding device with unfolded dividing element.
• 8th shows a representation of a holding device with folded dividing element.
• 9 shows a representation of a folding module according to 3 in connection with the arrangement of an outer packaging.
• 10A to 10D show the timing of the unfolding and insertion of a subdivision element in an outer packaging by means of a folding module according to 3 ,

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 merely represent examples of how the device according to the invention and / or the method according to the invention can be configured and do not represent a conclusive limitation.

The 1 schematically shows the steps of a method for unfolding and inserting a subdivision element 2 , 2 * in an outer packaging 1 , In the outer packaging 1 is in the illustrated embodiment, an open-top RSC cardboard. However, other suitable top-load cardboard boxes, trays or similar can also be used. with a subdivision element 2 , 2 * in transport compartments 5 subdivided and for receiving in each case at least one article (reference numeral 6 , see. also 2 ).

The suitable flat blank with at least one fold line 3 . 4 in a magazine 7 stocked subdivision element 2 is using at least one holding device 8th from the magazine 7 taken. The holding device 8th has at least one suction device, for example, a vacuum applied to the suction cup or the like. on, the subdivision element 2 according to sporadically. The subdivision elements 2 can within the magazine 7 as shown, standing leaning against each other, alternatively, the subdivision elements 2 also be stacked in a stack. The holding device 8th must be equipped accordingly, the flat blank of the subdivision element 2 to be able to record and hold safely.

The subdivision element 2 is now at least partially in contact with at least one contact surface of a folding module described in detail below a handling and folding device 10 brought, wherein portions of the subdivision element 2 along the fold lines 3 . 4 be folded over or eingeknickt. The thus-divided partitioning element 2 is denoted below by the reference numeral 2 * designated. The folded dividing element 2 * is in the field of handling and folding device 10 in a via a transport device 9 in the transport direction TR supplied outer packaging 1 used, whereby one with the reference numeral 1* characterized subdivided outer packaging is formed. This is in the embodiment shown here by a Z-shaped folded dividing element 2 * in four transport compartments 5 subdivided for articles.

The schematic views of FIGS. 2A to 2E show various embodiments of subdivided outer packaging 1* with or without article 6 ; in particular shows 2A a plan view of a subdivided outer packaging 1a * with a first embodiment of a folded dividing element 2a * , and 2 B shows one with four articles 6 loaded subdivided outer packaging 1a * according to 2A , A blank used here of a subdivision element 2a has two parallel fold lines 3 . 4 on and before or during insertion into the outer packaging 1 folded essentially in the form of an N. The outer packaging 1 is through the folded dividing element 2a * in four equally sized transport compartments 5 divided. These can, for example, with four identical articles 6 , For example, bottles, cans or the like, are filled. That within the outer packaging 1* arranged subdivision element 2a * prevents direct contact of the articles 6 with each other and thus provides good transport protection.

The 2C shows a plan view of an outer packaging 1b * with a second embodiment of a folded dividing element 2 B* ; 2D shows one with similar articles 6a loaded outer packaging 1b * as shown in FIG. 2C, and 2E shows an alternatively loaded outer packaging 1b * according to 2C , A blank used here of a subdivision element 2 B has only one central fold line 3 on which the cut of the subdivision element 2 B essentially divided into two identical subareas. The subdivision element 2 B was before or during insertion in the outer packaging 1 folded substantially in the form of a V. The outer packaging 1* is through the folded dividing element 2 B* in three transport compartments 5 . 5a . 5b divided. In particular, two small transport compartments 5a and a big transport compartment 5b educated. The three transport compartments 5a . 5b can, for example, according to 2D with four identical articles 6a , For example, bottles, cans or the like, are filled, each with an article 6a in one of the small transport compartments 5a is arranged and two articles 6a in the big transport compartment 5b to be ordered. Although there is a direct contact between the two in the large transport compartment with such a load 5b arranged articles 6a , however, this repackaging offers 1b * a much better protection than an outer packaging 1 without subdivision.

Alternatively, such an overpack 1b * according to 2E also with different articles 6a . 6b be fitted and in particular a so-called mixed container 100 be formed. This is in each of the small transport compartments 5a a small article 6a arranged while in the big transport compartment 5b a great article 6b , especially an article 6b with a larger footprint, is arranged. That within the outer packaging 1 arranged subdivision element 2 B* prevents direct contact of the articles 6a . 6b with each other and thus provides good transport protection.

The 3 to 6 show different representations of a folding module 11 with two contact surfaces 12 . 13 ; in particular shows 3 a perspective view of a folding module 11 from above; 4 shows a perspective view from below; 5 shows a view from above, and 6 shows a side view. The folding module 11 includes two contact surfaces 12 . 13 in which subregions of a subdivision element (in particular an embodiment as described below in connection with FIGS 10A to 10D described), be folded or folded by investment in this. Furthermore, the folding module comprises 11 a passage opening 14 , Below the passage opening 14 the outer package to be subdivided is arranged (cf. 9 ). The subdivision element is between the two contact surfaces 12 . 13 arranged, folded and from above into the below the passage opening 14 arranged outer packaging inserted. Furthermore, further guide elements 15 . 16 support the targeted insertion of the subdivision element in the outer packaging.

With the illustrated folding module 11 In particular, a Z-shape of a subdivision element with two parallel fold lines is generated. The fold lines of the subdivision element are in this case aligned in particular parallel to the insertion direction in which the subdivision element is inserted into the outer packaging.

The contact surfaces 12 . 13 are in particular at an angle to the arranged below the folding module outer packaging 1 arranged. The outline of an outer packaging 1 is dashed in 5 shown. The size of between the contact surfaces 12 . 13 and each two parallel side walls of the outer package formed angle α is responsible for the degree of folding of the dividing element at the fold lines. The flatter this angle α, the less strongly the dividing element is folded. Accordingly, the steeper this angle α is, the more strongly the dividing element is folded.

The contact surface 12 . 13 is in a plane that is perpendicular to the transport direction TR the outer packaging 1 (see 1 ) on the transport device 9 extends. The contact surface 12 . 13 is still at an angle α not equal to 0 ° and / or not equal to 90 ° to the transport direction TR arranged the outer packaging. Thus, the contact surface 12 . 13 angled to the sides of the outer packaging 1 aligned.

The 7 a representation shows a holding device 8th with unfolded subdivision element 2 , and 8th a representation shows a holding device 8th with folded dividing element 2 * ,

The fold lines 3 . 4 divide the subdivision element 2 in three sub-areas, in particular a central sub-area 20 and two lateral sections 21 . 22 , The holding device 8th includes suction pads 30 , The subdivision element 2 is about the suction pads 30 the holding device 8th in the middle section 20 resorted.

The 9 shows a representation of a folding module 11 according to 3 and the spatial assignment of an outer packaging to be subdivided 1 , The 10A to 10D set the timing of unfolding and inserting a folded dividing element 2 * in an outer packaging 1 by means of a folding module 11 according to 3 The outer packaging 1 is unilaterally open, in particular, the outer packaging has 1 open lid straps 40 on and is therefore open on top. The outer packaging 1 becomes so under the folding module 11 arranged that the passage opening 14 of the folding module 11 essentially in a flight above the lid opening of the outer packaging 1 is arranged (see also 5 ). The mutually parallel contact surfaces 12 . 13 are arranged parallel to one another, in particular in parallel planes which are at an angle to the planes of the open cover lugs 40 are formed. Preferably, the contact surfaces 12 . 13 at an angle between 2 ° and 45 ° to the cover tabs 40 arranged. The additional guide elements 15 . 16 preferably project at least partially into the outer package 1 and / or substantially touch the corners between the side walls 41 the outer packaging and the open lid flaps 40 ,

The top open outer packaging 1 For example, via a conveyor belt or other suitable transport device (see. 1 ) and under the folding module 11 positioned. Now, as in the 10A to 10 d shown - the folded subdivision element 2 * in the outer packaging 1 used.

That by the holding device 8th only in the middle section 20 detected subdivision element 2 is from above at least partially between the contact surfaces 12 . 13 of the folding module 11 arranged (cf. 10A ). By a rotation of the holding device 8th by 90 °, the lateral sections 21 . 22 of the subdivision element 2 each in contact with one of the contact surfaces 12 . 13 brought while folded along the fold lines 3,4 ( 10B . 10C ). Because the contact surfaces 12 , 13 at an angle α (cf. 5 ) to the open lid flaps 40 the outer packaging are arranged and the rotation of the holding device 8th 90 ° around a perpendicular to the top opening of the outer packaging 1 or perpendicular to the passage opening 14 of the folding module 11 arranged axis of rotation D although a rotation of the held middle portion 20 of the subdivision element 2 effected by 90 °, but a corresponding rotation of the lateral portions 21 . 22 through the contact surfaces 12 . 13 is limited, there is a folding or folding of the lateral portions 21 . 22 and thus the formation of the Z-shape of the folded dividing element 2 * ( 10B . 10C ). The folded dividing element 2 * will now be used to form the subdivided outer packaging 1* from the top into the outer packaging 1 introduced by, for example, the holding device 8th in the direction of movement BR is lowered ( 10D ). Subsequently, the holding connection between the holding device 8th and the dividing element 2 * solved, for example by the sucking vacuum is turned off. The holding device 8th can by an upward movement from the outer packaging 1* be pulled out and the subdivided outer packaging 1* can be supplied for further processing. For example, articles (not shown, cf. 2 B . 2D . 2E ) within the outer packaging 1* through the subdivision element 2 * formed transport compartments 5 filled Be sure to put the items in the transport compartments from the top 5 be filled.

As in the 10A to 10D can be clearly seen, are the fold lines 3,4 of the between the contact surfaces 12 . 13 arranged subdivision element 2 substantially parallel to the downward direction of movement BR the holding device 8th arranged with the folded dividing element 2 * in the outer packaging 1 is used.

The embodiments, examples and variations of the preceding paragraphs, the claims or the following description and the figures, including their various views or respective individual features, may be used independently or in any combination. Features described in connection with one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments as long as the features are not inconsistent.

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

overpack

1 * 1a * 1b *

subdivided outer packaging

2,2a, 2b

Dividing member

* 2, 2a *, 2b *

folded subdivision element

3

fold line

4

fold line

5,5a, 5b

transportation Trade

6,6a, 6b

items

7

magazine

8th

holder

9

transport means

10

Handling and folding device

11

folding module

12

contact surface

13

contact surface

14

Through opening

15

guide element

16

guide element

20

middle section

21

lateral section

22

lateral section

30

Suction pads

40

open lid flap

41

Side wall

100

mixed containers

BR

movement direction

D

axis of rotation

TR

transport direction

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 3012201 A [0004]

Claims (14)

Handling and folding device (10) for a dividing element (2) which can be arranged within an outer packaging (1), wherein the dividing element (2) is formed as a blank with at least one folding line (3, 4), the handling and folding device (10) comprising a magazine (7) for subdivision elements (2), at least one holding device (8) for the subdivision elements (2), a transport device (9) for the outer packaging (1) and at least one abutment surface (12, 13) for the subdivision element (2 ), wherein the dividing element (2) can be folded over the at least one folding surface (3, 4) at least in partial contact with the at least one contact surface (12, 13) and can then be inserted into the outer packaging (1). Handling and folding device (10) after Claim 1 wherein the transport device (9) is arranged below the at least one contact surface (12, 13), wherein the outer packaging (1) can be transported in a transport direction (TR) on the transport device (9) and wherein the at least one contact surface (12, 13 ) is arranged in a plane which extends perpendicular to the transport direction (TR) and at an angle (α) not equal to 0 ° and / or not equal to 90 ° to the transport direction (TR). Handling and folding device (10) after Claim 1 or 2 wherein the at least one contact surface (12, 13) is associated with an adjusting device, wherein the contact surface (12, 13) at different heights above the transport device (9) can be arranged. Handling and folding device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one holding device (8) is rotatable, wherein by rotation of the holding device (8), in particular by about 90 °, the at least partially abutment of the dividing element (2) the at least one contact surface (12, 13) and a folding of the subdivision element (2) along the at least one fold line (3, 4) is effected. Handling and folding device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the holding device (8) is variable in height, wherein at a first working height, the folding of the dividing element (2) takes place and wherein at a second working height, the dividing element (2) within the outer packaging ( 1) is arrangeable. Handling and folding device (10) according to one of Claims 2 to 5 wherein the at least one contact surface (12, 13) is an exchangeable format part or wherein the abutment surface (12, 13) about an axis of rotation perpendicular to the transport direction (TR) is rotatable. Handling and folding device (10) according to one of the preceding claims; wherein the at least one contact surface (12, 13) is associated with at least one guide element (15, 16) for guiding the at least along a folding line (3, 4) folded dividing element (2) when inserted into the outer packaging (1). Handling and folding device (10) after Claim 7 , wherein the guide element (15, 16) is a below the at least one contact surface (12, 13) obliquely downwardly extending profile element. Handling and folding device (10) after Claim 7 or 8th , wherein the at least one contact surface (12, 13) and the at least one guide element (15, 16) form an exchangeable format part. Handling and folding device (10) according to one of Claims 4 to 9 in that the dividing element (2) is formed as a blank with two fold lines (3, 4), with a holding region (20) formed between the two fold lines (3, 4), a first lateral partial region (21) and a second lateral partial region (22), wherein the handling and folding device (10) comprises two contact surfaces (12, 13), wherein the dividing element (2) in the holding region (20) by the holding device (8) is gripped and wherein by a rotation of the holding device ( 8), in particular by 90 °, the first lateral subregion (21) of the subdivision element (2) can be brought into contact with one of the abutment surfaces (12, 13) and can be folded over, and wherein the rotation of the retaining device (8) causes the second lateral subregion (22) of the dividing element (2) with the other of the contact surfaces (12, 13) can be brought into contact and thereby foldable. Method for unfolding and inserting a dividing element (2) into an outer packaging (1), wherein - The at least one fold line (3, 4) comprehensive subdivision element (2) from a magazine (7) and removed is brought in some areas in contact with at least one contact surface (12, 13), - whereby at least a portion of the subdivision element (2) along the fold line (3, 4) is bent or folded over, and - The folded subdivision element (2) in the outer package (1) is used. Method according to Claim 11 in that the dividing element (2) is subdivided by the at least one fold line (3, 4) into a holding region (20) and at least one first lateral subregion (21), the dividing element (2) being held in the holding region (20) during the process steps and wherein the at least one first lateral portion (21) is bent or folded relative to the holding portion (20). Method according to Claim 12 wherein the dividing element (2) is arranged in the region of the at least one contact surface (12, 13), wherein at least the first lateral section (21) is in contact with the at least one contact surface (12, 13) by rotation of the dividing element (2) ) is brought and thereby folded or folded relative to the holding area (20). Method according to Claim 11 in that the dividing element (2) is subdivided into a holding region (20), a first lateral subregion (21) and a second lateral subregion (22) by two folding lines (3, 4), wherein the subdivision element (2) is divided during the method steps in FIG Holding portion (20) is held, wherein the dividing element (2) at least partially between two contact surfaces (12, 13) is arranged, wherein by rotation of the dividing element (2), in particular by 90 °, the first lateral portion (21) in abutment is brought with one of the abutment surfaces (12, 13) and thereby bent or folded over relative to the holding region (20) and wherein the rotation of the subdivision element (2) causes the second lateral subregion (22) to come into contact with the other abutment surface (12 , 13) is brought and thereby folded or folded relative to the holding portion (20).

Images