DE102017207896A1 - Packaging and / or processing machine for the production of packaging units and method for the provision of outer packaging of packaging material - Google Patents

Abstract

A packaging and / or processing machine (10) is disclosed for producing packaging units (12) each having at least two articles (14), piece goods and / or containers using outer packaging (16), compartments and / or packaging folded and / or folded along fold lines flat packaging material (18) is provided and equipped. The machine (10) comprises a first station (22) for taking over at least partially shaped and / or dimensioned blanks (24) of the flat packaging material (18), a second station (26) for unfolding the outer packs (16) and / or compartments from the blanks (24) and / or for their assembly at at least one joint, edge and / or folding line to form a receiving volume for at least two articles (14), piece goods and / or packages to be received therein, and a third station (28) for inserting the at least two articles (14), piece goods and / or containers in the outer packaging (16) and / or the compartment to form and manufacture the packaging units (12). There is also a corresponding method for providing outer packaging (16) and / or compartments of folded and / or folded lines joined flat packaging material (18), in particular for the packaging of at least two articles (14) , Piece goods and / or containers for forming packaging units (12).

Description

The present invention relates to a packaging and / or processing machine for the production of packaging units with the features of independent claim 1. In addition, the invention relates to a method for producing and / or providing outer packaging and / or compartments of folded and / or joined at folding lines area Packaging material with the features of the independent method claim 6.

The handling and handling of articles and piece goods often provide individual or multiple articles or piece goods with an outer packaging. This can be done, for example, in the case of individual articles for their improved protection and / or their improved sales presentation. In the case of several articles or general cargo, the outer packaging additionally contains a container of several articles or piece goods.

Such containers are a frequently used and in practice particularly effective way to allow the simultaneous handling of multiple articles or piece goods, for example, to facilitate the transport of multiple items at the same time. Therefore, packages of several held together articles represent the most common variant of sales units for many articles, such as beverage containers.

The articles or piece goods may be, for example, objects, such as, for example, packaged or unpacked articles, containers, such as beverage bottles or cans, or even containers of several objects, the objects of a container being, for example, by means of a group of objects To peripherally surrounding enclosure, such as a strapping, an outer packaging, such as a wrapping, a shrink tube or a cardboard box or a support frame, such as a beverage crate, can be held together, to name just a few conceivable embodiments.

Folding cartons, among other things, are used as outer packaging accommodating one or more articles each, since these offer a high, optionally additional protection for the articles housed in them, moreover are stackable with the articles housed in them and also identify the ones they contain To allow articles to be printed or pasted on their outside. Furthermore, they can serve as an advertising medium through appropriate information on their outside.

Folding boxes are industrially prefabricated, mostly folded or folded to a particularly small space or pack size, usually rectangular containers that are transported to save space and stored in the collapsed state to their use to their needs with simple handles or by machine for repackaging unfolded, as is known, for example, from folding cartons used for postal packages. When folded, they require little space for their transport and storage.

As formed by folding boxes, for example, containers formed outer packaging may be executed with or without arranged therein, or individual items can be separated and / or remote holding, also referred to as so-called Baskets Gefache. As compartments, a so-called interior arrangement to be arranged or arranged in an outer packaging, which may for example consist of nested and / or connected to each other, for example, by kinked edges and / or adhesive connections webs referred to. The webs may for example consist of cardboard and / or cardboard or plastics. To protect sensitive articles, for example, corrugated board can be used for the webs. By folding edges and / or adhesive connections and / or slots in the webs are and / or the webs are connected to each other, provided for one or more items provided compartments with, for example, rectangular or triangular or polygonal base, in which articles are fixed against slipping ,

In summary, compartments have the items inside the outer packaging fixed seats and protect them by the further transport and / or storage of these umbehgenden outer packaging, for example, against a juxtaposition and rubbing to the removal of the articles and their consumption, which otherwise, for example, by signs of erosion, such as On the articles, for example, in the form of labels applied information, and / or damage to the articles with each other can have a negative impression of quality result.

Analogous to the provision of folding cartons as outer packaging compartments to be used in outer packaging are preferably prefabricated and folded or collapsed to a particularly small space or pack size, so that they can be transported and stored space-saving in collapsed state until their use to their needs with simple To be unfolded by hand or by machine.

In addition, outer packaging with already arranged in these compartments are known. These can be designed as folding boxes with interior arranged therein, which can also be folded and transported folded and stored and folded in their need with simple handles or by machine.

Representative of the described, in their need with simple handles or machine unfoldable or erectable, designed as cartons outer packaging, as well as collapsible and unfolded compartments, as well as cartons with already arranged in these compartments repackaging is below the wording Gefache and / or Used outer package, which includes the three different design variants, unless it is explicitly something else, for example, only one of the design variants mentioned.

Compartments and / or outer packaging are generally made of sheet-like packaging material, preferably from single or multi-part cardboard boxes made of stabilized paper types, such as cardboard and / or cardboard. For each type of compartments and / or outer packaging there are cardboard boxes in different sizes and sizes. For sensitive items, for example, corrugated board will be used to protect them. However, the sheet-like packaging material may also be formed by plastic materials and / or by composite materials or by stiffened cardboard materials or the like.

For compartments and / or outer packaging auffalt- or retractable, folded or folded cardboard have by kinked edges and / or adhesive joints and / or connectors interconnected Kartonagewände that can be cut out and / or punched example of sheet material. In the collapsed state at least two interconnected Kartonagewände form an upper and a lower flat side of a flat folded cardboard.

For example, by printing on the sides of a folded cardboard box, this can be unfolded into a compartment and / or outer packaging. It is also possible to hold the folded cardboard on the surfaces of each one Kartonagewand their upper and lower flat side, for example by means of suckers and raise by increasing the initially limited to the thickness of the collapsed cardboard packaging distance between the surfaces of the cardboard walls. By connecting the cardboard walls with each other here cardboard walls of the cardboard are unfolded or raised, which are arranged within the space spanned by the cardboard walls of the upper and lower flat side space.

Also combinations of unfolding by exerting lateral pressure and mounting are possible.

By unfolding or mounting in the case of an outer packaging designed as a folding box, an interior and, in the case of a foldable or unfoldable compartment or an outer package designed as a folding carton with compartment already arranged in this compartment, an interior space which can be replaced by one or respectively one, a normal to the cardboard walls extending plane spanning access opening is accessible through which access opening articles can be introduced into the corresponding interior.

A significant cost factor when dealing with articles, for example in food and / or beverage and / or packaging technology and / or in the food and / or beverage and / or packaging industry, is the timing, with the within the shortest possible time with as many articles can be handled. The higher the timing, the higher is the article turnover and the higher and thus better the utilization of the machines, systems and equipment intended for this purpose. The clocking can thus be described as the quotient of the number of articles and the length of time within which this number of articles is handled.

Normally, the outer packages or compartments are made by providing the outsides with a desired colored or monochrome printing, after which a desired contour and / or recesses, etc., are produced by a stamping operation. These prefabricated cardboard sheets are then unfolded and connected to provided folding and / or overlapping edges, in particular glued and / or clamped, after which the outer packages or compartments thus produced folded again, flat stacked in larger numbers and combined to form larger packaging units. In this stacked and packaged state, the outer packs or trays are ready for shipment and can be transported to a processing location. Only at this processing the items to be packaged or piece goods such as. Beverage containers are inserted by means of suitable handling and / or packaging machines in the unpacked and unfolded outer packaging or compartments, so that only in this final processing the packaging units and / or sales units required for further marketing, such as final sales, are produced.

The constant availability of a large number of prefabricated, folded and finished printed outer packaging or compartments requires a considerable storage, transport and logistics effort on site, since not only for different sales units each different prints may be necessary. In addition, the folded and prefabricated outer packaging or compartments require a considerable transport and storage volume.

Additional requirements must be imposed on the outer packaging and compartments in connection with their storage and / or their further handling, including transport to the place of destination. So they must be well stackable and should not get caught in the superimposed state as possible, as this can lead to disruptions in the subsequent packaging operation. The same applies to adhesive residues, which can not only lead to optical impairments, but also to the fact that individual outer packaging or compartments adhere to each other and can also disturb the packaging company. In order not to stress too large a packaging volume, it makes sense if the outer packaging or compartments are folded as flat as possible after their production, but on the other hand should not lead to the subsequent unfolding is hindered in their use.

Although it is already known from the prior art to attach pressure marks on the outer sides of packaging, such as from US 3 293 824 A , from the WO 91/10595 A1 or from the EP 1 038 780 A1 ,

The EP 1 449 775 A1 discloses the printing of blanks used to package tobacco articles with graphics.

In addition, it is from the DE 10 2006 019 994 A1 known to print packaging for filling or packaging goods when feeding the packaging material in a printing station, for example. After removing the material from a supply.

However, the printing of the packaging blanks represents only a partial aspect of the entire handling in the packaging of articles and piece goods.

In view of the disadvantages of the handling of outer packagings and / or compartments identified in the prior art, the primary aim of the invention may be considered as the process chain in the production of packaging units with a plurality of articles, piece goods and / or containers using outer packagings and / or compartments from flat packaging material, either by individual savings and / or improvements, but preferably by savings and improvements in several places. In particular, should be reduced in this context, the packaging and / or transport costs for the outer packaging and / or compartments; In addition, the effort and costs for the general expenses that arise in connection with the handling and / or transport logistics should be reduced.

These stated objects are achieved by the subject-matter of the independent claims. Further advantageous embodiments are described and defined by the respective claims dependent thereon.

Thus, in order to achieve at least some of the stated aims, the present invention proposes a packaging and / or processing machine having the features of independent claim 1, which are used to produce packaging units with at least two articles, piece goods and / or containers using outer packaging and / or or packaging of folded and / or folded along fold lines flat packaging material is provided and equipped, wherein the sheet-like packaging material may be formed in particular by cardboard material, but also by other packaging materials such as plastic or composite material. The packaging and / or processing machine according to the invention comprises at least one first station for taking over at least partially shaped and / or appropriately sized blanks, sections or sheets of the flat packaging material, at least one second station for use and / or processing of the blanks, sections or sheets and their unfolding with the formation of outer packaging and / or compartments and / or for their assembly at least one joint, edge and / or fold line to form a receiving volume for at least two items to be accommodated therein, piece goods and / or containers.

Furthermore, the packaging and / or processing machine according to the invention comprises at least one third station for inserting the at least two articles, piece goods and / or containers into the outer packages and / or compartments formed from the blanks, sections or sheets of the flat packaging material to form and manufacture the packaging units , The first, second and third stations thereby provide a minimum configuration of the invention Packaging and / or processing machine, which are also usefully arranged in the order mentioned in the conveying direction of the sections of sheet packaging material and / or in the processing direction of the packaging units to be formed, but this excludes any further stations, which may be arranged between the three stations , these may be upstream and / or downstream. The blanks, sections or sheets of the packaging material supplied with and / or in the first station of the packaging and / or processing machine can optionally be printed unprinted or at least partially printed or even finished. In addition, the sections supplied to the first station can for example be pre-punched or otherwise already brought into an intended form, in which they can be unfolded and joined together in subsequent processing steps. As explained in more detail below, the blanks can also be separated by a cutter from a roll of continuous material and the first station of the machine supplied in such a way.

If in the context of the present description of compartments and / or outer packaging is mentioned, this may, for example, be standing or lying arranged compartments and / or outer packaging. In standing arranged compartments and / or outer packaging are the access openings through which articles, cargo and / or container can be introduced into the compartments and / or outer packaging, in a horizontal plane. In horizontally arranged compartments and / or outer packaging are the access openings through which articles, cargo and / or container can be introduced into the compartments and / or outer packaging, therefore in a vertical plane.

In the case of the packaging and / or processing machine according to the invention, provision can also be made for the first station to take over the defined shaped and / or dimensioned blanks, sections or sheets of the flat packaging material in its conveying direction, a fourth station for printing at least partial areas of the blanks, sections or arcs and / or for the application of labels, coatings and / or paint applications and / or other applications at least on an outside and / or inside of the blanks, sections or sheets is arranged downstream. In addition, it may be provided that the fourth station is located in the conveying path of the blanks, sections or sheets of the flat packaging material between the first and second station or between the second and third station. In principle, however, it could also be provided that the fourth station is arranged upstream of the first station, that is to say the printing or partial printing or coating of the blanks, sections or sheets of the flat packaging material takes place before being transferred to the packaging and / or processing machine, so that the fourth station may be assigned in functional terms of the machine, but may be located at least slightly away from her spatially.

In many applications, it has proven to be particularly advantageous to use unprinted or already printed in sub-areas, coated and / or provided with graphic applications and / or labels blanks in the packaging and / or processing machine and transform into outer packaging and / or compartments, However, these are to be provided with product, customer and / or country-specific supplements in the printed image only during the course of the packaging process, such as foreign-language labels, barcodes, country-specific information, images, etc. In this way, universally usable blanks of the flat packaging material can be used which are not subject to restrictions on their use due to the printed image already applied.

In a further embodiment variant of the packaging and / or processing machine according to the invention can also be provided that the first station to take over the defined shaped and / or dimensioned blanks, sections or sheets of sheet packaging material in the conveying direction a fifth station with a cutting and / or or punching device for shaping and / or dimensioning of only partially preformed and / or pre-punched and / or cut sections is arranged downstream. In principle, it is also possible for the fifth station to be located upstream of the first station, ie for the punching and / or shaping of the blanks, sections or sheets of the flat packaging material to take place prior to being transferred to the packaging and / or processing machine, so that the fifth Station may be assigned to the machine in functional terms, but may be located at least slightly away from her spatially. As mentioned, the fifth station can be located in the conveying path of the sections of the flat packaging material, in particular between the first and second station, unless it is arranged upstream of the first station for specific reasons. In this case, the printing or partial printing takes place in the machine after the shaping and / or punching of the sections of the flat packaging material. In addition, the fifth station can also remove the blanks from an endless material and cut to length by means of the cutting device so that they get the right size for the outer packaging to be formed.

With regard to the optional optional fifth station with its cutting and / or punching device, it has proven to be advantageous to produce uncut or only partially cut, punched and / or cut to length blanks for outer packaging and / or compartments in the packaging and / or processing machine use and transform into outer packaging and / or compartments, but to be able to deliver these blanks, for example, as raw sheets or as endless material from a roll. In this way it is possible to use universally usable blanks of the flat packaging material which are not subject to restrictions with regard to the respective use due to the size and / or contour already given to them prior to transfer to the packaging and / or processing machine.

In the packaging and / or processing machine according to the invention, partial aspects of the packaging handling, which were previously done outside the machine, integrated into the machine and done in their own stations, whether this is the printing of blanks or sections of the sheet-like packaging material or its / their shape. Thus, with the packaging and / or processing machine according to the invention no prefolded, glued and / or otherwise prefabricated outer packaging and / or compartments or so-called. Baskets stored more and a relatively complex handling are fed, but it can be unprocessed depending on the machine equipment flat packaging material or partially processed packaging material are processed. With partially processed packaging material can be meant as prepunched material or completely preformed or pre-punched material, which only has to be unfolded and connected to defined folding lines, folding straps or the like. Connecting points. However, this can take place in the machine according to the invention itself, preferably immediately before the packaging of the articles, piece goods and / or containers which are to form the packaging unit to be manufactured together with the outer packaging (or the compartment) assembled and finished in the machine.

The same applies to the printing of the outer packaging and / or compartments, which can now also be done according to an aspect of the invention in the field of packaging and / or processing machine in its own printing station. Printing in this context also means a partial printing of previously partially printed blanks or sections of the packaging material. Likewise, the term printing may mean any coating or finish with paint jobs or coatings of all kinds.

The advantages of using flat, unprocessed or partially processed and / or printed and / or coated blanks or sections of the flat packaging material lie in the significant reduction of transport and storage costs and the significantly reduced cost of packaging handling, since the outer packaging and / or Gefache only get their specific design and / or visual design in the packaging and / or handling machine. An advantageous secondary aspect may be that the moisture absorption of the blanks so much more densely packed due to the closer together can be significantly reduced, which helps reduce the storage risks.

Whereas previously the cartonboard suppliers had to print, punch, fold and glue the packaging blanks, then pack and ship, these specially prepared outer packagings were initially stored at their destination, unstacked (ie taken from the stacks formed for shipping) and loaded into magazines before they were fed to the packaging machine, where they were unfolded and equipped with the intended articles or piece goods. This effort can be significantly reduced with the arrangement according to the invention, since now only the flat blanks are to be shipped. Ultimately, the production of the outer packaging and / or compartments moves at least partially into the packaging plant, where the bonding, stapling or other bonding and unfolding of the blanks can be done to form the outer packaging. Optionally, partial printing or complete printing of the outer packaging or the blanks of the flat packaging material converted into outer packaging can also take place there. Furthermore optionally, the finished shaping of the blanks, in particular by punching, can take place there as an upstream production step in the packaging installation. However, finished and / or finished printed blanks can also be processed.

If in connection with the machine equipment of several stations is mentioned, which cooperate with each other and / or arranged in the conveying direction of the article, piece goods and / or containers or blanks on their way to forming into outer packaging and / or compartments in a row, so is the Concept of the station to be understood as meaning that a functional unit of the packaging and / or processing machine, not a spatially clearly demarcated unit. Thus, the stations can certainly be designed in an integrated design, whereby a spatial separation of the successive stations does not necessarily have to be recognized.

Furthermore, in addition to the packaging and / or processing machine described in various embodiments, the present invention proposes a method for producing and / or providing overpacks and / or compartments of folded and / or folded line packaging material such as to achieve at least some of the stated aims in particular cardboard material, in particular for the packaging of at least two articles, piece goods and / or containers for the formation of larger packaging units. In this method, unprinted or at least partially printed and / or shaped, ie in particular pre-punched or defined shaped and / or dimensioned blanks, sections or sheets of sheet packaging material supplied to a packaging process, unfolded and at least one joint, edge and / or Folding line to form a repackaging and / or a Gefaches with a receiving volume for at least two items to be included therein, piece goods and / or containers together. In addition, in the method, the outer packages thus formed and / or the compartments thus formed are made available to the subsequent or already started packaging process in order to be able to form the packaging units to be assembled therefrom.

In the method, the blanks, sections or sheets of the sheet-like packaging material printed at least partially provided the packaging process and / or delivered to a packaging and / or processing machine and before, during and / or after the transfer to the packaging process and / or the production of the packaging units are provided in the machine with other printing, inscriptions, coatings and / or paint jobs and / or other applications.

Optionally, in the method, the blanks, sections or sheets of the sheet-like packaging material at least largely unprinted provided the packaging process and / or delivered to a packaging and / or processing machine and before, during and / or after the transfer to the packaging process and / or the production of the packaging units in the machine with printing, inscriptions, coatings and / or paint jobs and / or other applications are provided.

A further variant of the method according to the invention can provide that the blanks, sections or sheets of the flat packaging material are at least partially preformed and / or pre-punched and / or suitably cut to length provided for the packaging process and / or delivered to the packaging and / or processing machine and before, be converted and / or assembled during and / or after the transfer to the packaging process and / or the production of the packaging units in the machine to the outer packaging and / or compartments. This assembly can be done, for example, by gluing, stapling, riveting, etc., i. E. The blanks, sections or sheets can hereby be pre-punched or partially pre-punched and finally punched in the machine and then joined together.

However, an alternative variant of the method according to the invention may also provide for the blanks, sections or sheets of the flat packaging material to be unprocessed or at least partially preformed and / or pre-punched and / or appropriately cut to length provided for the packaging process and / or to the packaging and / or processing machine delivered before being used as outer packaging by cutting and / or stamping processes and before, during and / or after the transfer to the packaging process and / or the production of packaging units in the machine to the outer packaging and / or compartments reformed and / or assembled become.

Furthermore, the method can provide that the unprinted or at least partially printed, labeled, coated and / or provided with color applications and / or other applications or equipped flat packaging material in matching blanks or sections or sheets each defined dimensions or optionally as continuous material the packaging process provided and / or supplied to the packaging and / or processing machine and cut to length and / or reshaped before, during and / or after the transfer to the packaging process and / or the production of packaging units in the machine to the outer packaging and / or compartments and / or joined together. As mentioned, this assembly can be done, for example, by gluing, stapling, riveting, etc. It is also possible that the flat packaging material in raw sheets delivered, if necessary, cut into suitable blanks and processed only in the machine. It is also possible that the sheet-like packaging material is pulled from the roll and processed only in the machine, this role can in particular stand directly on the machine and is replaced after consumption each with a new roll with a new supply of flat packaging material. From the roll, the sheet-like packaging material is peeled off and cut into suitable blanks, sections or sheets, which are subsequently subjected to a stamping and shaping process and to a printing and / or Coating process can be subjected before they are converted into outer packaging, ie unfolded and assembled at a suitable location.

The method according to the invention can also provide for partially or completely printed blanks, sections or sheets of the flat packaging material which are labeled, coated and / or provided with paint applications and / or other applications prior to being fed to the packaging process and / or packaging and / or or processing machine is stored away from this or in immediate physical proximity and the packaging process and / or the machine if necessary, for further processing and for producing the packaging units using the finished in the machine outer packaging and / or compartments supplied.

In this context, the method can also provide that the blanks, sections or sheets of the sheet-like packaging material before its intermediate storage to the outer packaging and / or compartments reformed and / or assembled, stored for later processing and before the onset of articles, general cargo and / or containers are unfolded and / or brought into the respectively required for the packaging to be formed contour of the outer packaging and / or compartments. It would also be conceivable to temporarily store the outer packaging in folded and finished molded form and to remove it in finished form from the intermediate storage and to process it further.

In all variants of the method described above, it can further be provided that the at least two articles, piece goods and / or packages which are to form the packaging unit are inserted into the outer packaging processed and finished in the packaging and / or processing machine and / or from this at least partially enveloped.

The invention additionally relates to a method for packaging at least two articles, piece goods and / or packages into larger packaging units using outer packages and / or compartments as containers and / or wrappings for the articles, etc., of folded and / or folded lines Packaging material, such as, for example, cardboard material, which has been produced in accordance with one of the method variants described above, wherein the at least two articles, piece goods and / or packages which form the packaging unit are inserted into the outer packaging and / or at least partially enveloped by the latter.

Each method variant described for packaging at least two articles, piece goods and / or containers into larger packaging units can also be used and used with the use of a packaging and / or processing machine according to one of the previously described embodiments for the production of packaging units.

With the method according to the invention, partial aspects of the packaging handling, which were hitherto carried out separately from the actual production or assembly of packaging units using outer packagings and / or compartments, are integrated into the method and done in separate process steps, whether this is the printing of blanks or sections of the planar packaging material or its shaping. Thus, in the method according to the invention, no pre-folded, glued and / or otherwise prefabricated outer packaging and / or compartments or so-called. Baskets stored more and be subjected to a relatively complex handling or subjected, but it can, depending on machine equipment, the unprocessed planar packaging material or partially processed Packaging material to be processed. With partially processed packaging material can be meant as prepunched material or completely preformed or pre-punched material, which only has to be unfolded and connected to defined fold lines, folding straps or the like. Connection points, but in the machine or in connection with the inventive method itself can take place, preferably immediately before the packaging of the article, piece goods and / or containers, which together with the so assembled in the machine and finished machined outer packaging (or the compartment) to form the packaging unit to be produced.

The same applies to the printing of the outer packaging and / or compartments, which can also be done in the field of packaging and / or processing machine in its own printing station. Printing in this context also means a partial printing of previously partially printed blanks or sections or sheets of the flat packaging material. Likewise, the term printing may mean any coating or finish with paint jobs or coatings of all kinds.

The advantages of using flat, unprocessed or partially processed and / or printed and / or coated blanks lie in the significant reduction of transport and storage costs and the significantly reduced cost of packaging handling, since the outer packaging and / or Gefache only in the Packaging and / or handling machine can get their specific design and / or visual design. An advantageous secondary aspect may be that the moisture absorption of the blanks so much more densely packed due to the closer together can be significantly reduced, which helps reduce the storage risks.

While previously the cartonboard suppliers had to print, punch, fold and glue the packaging blanks, then pack and ship them, these specially prepared outer packs were first stored, stacked and loaded in magazines before they were fed to the packaging machine, where they were unfolded and filled with the for intended articles or general cargo. This effort can be significantly reduced with the arrangement according to the invention, since now only the flat blanks are to be shipped. Ultimately, the production of the outer packaging and / or compartments shifted in the packaging plant, where the bonding, stapling or otherwise connecting and unfolding the blanks to form the outer packaging is done. Optionally, partial printing or complete printing of the outer packaging or the blanks of the flat packaging material converted into outer packaging can also take place there. Furthermore optionally, the finished shaping of the blanks, in particular by punching, can take place there as an upstream production step in the packaging installation. However, finished and / or finished printed blanks can also be processed.

In the following, some aspects of the essential equipment variants of the packaging and / or processing machine according to the invention and of the method according to the invention with some of the advantages and disadvantages associated therewith are presented again.

Thus, a variant may have a central printing and punching center or a central printing and punching station, in which the blanks are printed or partially printed after their adoption in the machine handling and then punched and brought into the intended form, the order possibly can also be reversed, so that only the punching and then the printing can be done. The blanks with the flat packaging material can be delivered in this process and / or machine variant either as already cut raw sheets or obtained from a roll as continuous material and cut into sections of suitable lengths.

Advantageous in this variant is the independence of the blank preparation from the production in the respective lines, i. from the subsequent packaging operation, in which the outer packages formed from the folded and assembled blanks are loaded with articles, piece goods and / or containers and from this larger packaging units are formed. In addition, in this process and / or machine variant, the most diverse printing and / or cut sizes can be generated, which is particularly advantageous for machines that can process different formats. In addition, the entire order, supply and supply logistics are simplified by local printing and punching.

With relatively high capital expenditure, which goes hand in hand with this machine and / or process variant, the operating personnel must also have a high level of qualification for controlling the complex work processes. In addition, it should not be concealed that the internal or internal logistics in relation to the previously known conventional processes relatively complex.

An alternative or supplemented variant may have a central printing, punching and folding center or a central printing, punching and folding station, in which the blanks printed or partially printed after their adoption in the machine handling, then punched and in the intended If necessary, the order can be reversed, so that only the punching and then the printing can be done. After the punching process, the blanks are also pre-folded, possibly even at least one folding line or by means of a folding tab o. The like. Still joined together, eg. By gluing or stapling, so that already the outer packaging or compartments are available for subsequent production , These prefolded and / or already assembled outer packages or compartments can then be stored temporarily, either in the unfolded or in the folded-back state and thus requiring less storage volume. The blanks with the flat packaging material can be delivered in this process and / or machine variant either as already cut raw sheets or obtained from a roll as continuous material and cut into sections of suitable lengths. This variant of the method provides that the blanks, sections or sheets of the sheet-like packaging material before its intermediate storage to the outer packaging and / or compartments reformed and / or assembled, stored for later processing and unfolded before the onset of the article, piece goods and / or containers and / or in the respectively required for the packaging to be formed contour of the outer packaging and / or compartments to be brought. It would also be conceivable to temporarily store the outer packaging in folded and finished molded form and to remove it in finished form from the intermediate storage and to process it further.

The advantage of this variant is again the independence of the blank preparation from the production in the respective lines, i. from the subsequent packaging operation, in which the outer packages formed from the folded and assembled blanks are loaded with articles, piece goods and / or containers and from this larger packaging units are formed. In addition, also in this process and / or machine variant, the most diverse printing and / or cutting sizes can be generated, which is particularly advantageous for machines that can process different formats. In addition, the entire order, supply and supply logistics are simplified by local printing and punching. This variant also makes it possible optionally to process pre-printed blanks.

With relatively high capital expenditure, which goes hand in hand with this machine and / or process variant, the operating personnel must also have a high level of qualification for controlling the complex work processes. In addition, it should not be concealed that the internal or internal logistics in relation to the previously known conventional processes relatively complex. In addition, the necessary transport paths of the prefolded blanks to the interim storage and out of this, when the prefolded blanks must be transported to the production lines.

An alternative or supplemented variant may have a central printing and punching center or a central printing and stamping station, in which the blanks printed or partially printed after their adoption in the machine handling, then punched and placed in the intended form, the If necessary, the order can also be reversed, so that stamping and then printing can take place first. The blanks with the flat packaging material can be delivered in this process and / or machine variant either as already cut raw sheets or obtained from a roll as continuous material and cut into sections of suitable lengths. After the punching and / or printing process, the blanks prepared in this way are stored intermediately, in particular in a central intermediate storage, from where they are transported, if necessary, to the production lines for forming the outer packaging and for their assembly with articles, piece goods and / or containers for the production of the packaging units become.

Only after the removal from the central intermediate storage the blanks are folded in the respective packaging stations or preparatory to the respective production lines and at least one fold line or by means of a folding tab o. The like. Assembled, eg. By gluing or stapling, so that only immediately before the packaging with the articles, general cargo and / or containers the outer packaging or compartments for the respective packaging lines are available. This eliminates in this variant, the pre-folding and / or joining of the blanks to the outer packaging or compartments and their intermediate storage in the central intermediate storage, so that the refolding for intermediate storage can be omitted. Thus, the printed and stamped blanks require significantly less storage volume in the interim storage.

Rather, this method variant provides that the blanks, sections or sheets of the sheet-like packaging material are only punched and printed prior to their intermediate storage and only then converted to the outer packaging and / or compartments and / or assembled when they are already removed from the interim storage and at the packaging line were transported, where they are unfolded immediately before the onset of the article, piece goods and / or packages and / or brought into the respectively required for the packaging to be formed contour of the outer packaging and / or compartments.

The advantage of this variant is again the independence of the blank preparation from the production in the respective lines, i. from the subsequent packaging operation, in which the outer packages formed from the folded and assembled blanks are loaded with articles, piece goods and / or containers and from this larger packaging units are formed. In addition, also in this process and / or machine variant, the most diverse printing and / or cutting sizes can be generated, which is particularly advantageous for machines that can process different formats. In addition, the entire order, supply and supply logistics are simplified by local printing and punching. This variant also makes it possible optionally to process pre-printed blanks. Due to the unfolding process directly on the packaging line, the shallower, because unfolded blanks can be stored in the intermediate store, which creates an increased storage capacity in the intermediate store.

With relatively high capital expenditure, which goes hand in hand with this machine and / or process variant, also the operating personnel must have a high qualification for the control of the complex Have workflows. The investment costs for the machines increase not least because the folding stations for each packaging line must be available separately and therefore have to be installed several times. In addition, it should not be concealed that the internal or internal logistics in relation to the previously known conventional processes relatively complex. Added to this are the necessary transport routes of the blanks to the interim storage facility and out of this when the blanks have to be transported to the production lines.

A further alternative variant can have a decentralized printing, punching and folding module or a plurality of decentralized printing, punching and folding modules, which can each be assigned to the packaging and / or production lines. In this process variant, raw sheets or at least slightly pre-processed blanks are initially stored centrally, for example, after they are delivered to a packaging machine. This intermediate storage can, for example, also form a storage location for rolls with endless packaging material wound thereon endlessly. For this intermediate storage, the continuous material or the raw sheets or pre-machined blanks are removed and supplied to the packaging lines, where they are printed or partially printed, then punched and placed in the intended form, the order may possibly be reversed, so that only the punching and then the printing can be done. In addition, the thus taken as needed from the intermediate storage, decentralized printed in the packaging lines, punched and thus prepared blanks of sheet packaging material folded at the respective production lines and at least one fold line or by means of a folding tab o. The like. Assembled, for example. By gluing or stapling , so that the finished outer packaging or compartments for the respective packaging lines are available immediately before the placement of the articles, piece goods and / or containers. This eliminates almost all preparatory manufacturing steps such as central printing, punching and pre-folding and / or joining the blanks to the outer packaging or compartments and their intermediate storage in the central intermediate storage in this variant, so that the necessary re-folding for intermediate storage can be omitted. Thus, the unprinted or partially printed and not yet punched blanks or the wound on flat sheet packaging material require significantly less storage volume in the interim storage.

An advantage of this variant is the elimination of additional transport routes for printed, stamped and folded blanks for each packaging machine. In addition, the printing modules, the punching modules and the folding modules can each be tailored to the needs and the capacity of the respectively structurally integrated or spatially coupled packaging machine. Also in this process and / or machine variant, the most diverse printing and / or cut sizes can be generated as needed, which is particularly advantageous for machines that can process different formats. In addition, the entire order, supply and supply logistics are simplified by local printing, punching and folding process for the outer packaging and / or compartments. Due to the unfolding process directly on the packaging line, the shallower, unfolded, uncut blanks can be stored in the intermediate store, which creates an increased storage capacity in the intermediate store. Optionally, the bearing may even contain only endless material of the sheet-like packaging material, which, for example, can be wound up on rolls which can be exchanged quickly and removed from these as required and conveyed to the packaging lines.

At relatively high investment costs, which is associated with this machine and / or process variant, since each packaging machine with separate printing modules, punching modules and Faltmodulen is to equip what a duplication or multiplication of machine technology brings with it, the operating staff must have a high level of qualification Control of complex machines and complex workflows. The investment costs for the machines increase not least because the printing, punching and folding stations for each packaging line must be available separately and therefore must be installed several times. In addition, it should not be concealed that the internal or internal process logistics in some places compared to the previously known conventional processes relatively complex. Added to this are the necessary transport routes of the blanks or of the unprinted and unprinted raw sheets from the interim storage facility, when these untreated blanks have to be transported to the production lines. Maintenance costs at the individual packaging lines are also expected to be higher, as they are each equipped with more complex machine modules for printing, punching and folding. Depending on the performance of these modules, the overall efficiency of the individual packaging lines could be lower than for central punching centers and / or central printing centers, which can be outweighed by increased manufacturing and packaging flexibility.

Finally, another alternative variant sees a central punching center and a decentralized printing and folding module or more decentralized printing and folding modules, which are assigned to the packaging and / or production lines or can be. In this process variant, raw sheets or at least slightly pre-processed blanks are first transported to the central punching center, where they are brought into the required dimensions and shapes by being punched suitable, and then again stored centrally. The central punching center can, for example, also be supplied by a storage location for rolls with endless packaging material wound thereon endlessly. From the connected to the central punching center interim storage the processed and appropriately punched blanks are removed and if necessary supplied to the packaging lines, where they printed or partially printed and then brought into the intended form and unfolded as outer packaging, the order may possibly be reversed , so that only the unfolding and then the printing can be done. In addition, the thus taken as needed from the interim storage and decentralized printed in the packaging lines and thus prepared blanks of flat packaging material not only unfolded at the respective production lines, but preferably also at least one folding line or by means of a folding tab o. The like. Assembled, eg. By Gluing or stapling, so that the finished outer packaging or compartments for the respective packaging lines are available immediately before the placement of the articles, piece goods and / or containers. This eliminates some preparatory manufacturing steps such as central printing and pre-folding and / or joining the blanks to the outer packaging or compartments, while the central punching and temporary storage in the central storage facility are still necessary in this alternative variant. However, due to the intermediate storage of the punched sheets or blanks without their prefolding and joining the necessary re-folding for intermediate storage can be omitted. Thus, the unprinted or partially printed and only stamped blanks or significantly less storage volume in the interim storage. Optionally, the central punching center can be supplied with endless material of the flat packaging material, which, for example, can be wound up on rollers which can be exchanged quickly and removed from these as required and conveyed to the central punching center.

An advantage of this variant is the need only a central punching machine or a punching module, which punches the blanks independently of the following packaging process. In addition, additional transport routes for printed and folded blanks for the respective packaging machine can be omitted. In addition, the printing modules and the folding modules can each be tailored to the needs and the capacity of the respective structurally integrated or spatially coupled packaging machine. Also in this process and / or machine variant, the most diverse printing and / or cut sizes can be generated as needed, which is particularly advantageous for machines that can process different formats. In addition, the entire ordering, delivery and supply logistics are simplified by the local printing and folding process for the outer packaging and / or compartments. Due to the unfolding process directly on the packaging line, the shallower, because unfolded blanks can be stored in the intermediate store, which creates an increased storage capacity in the intermediate store.

At relatively high capital expenditure, which is associated with this machine and / or process variant, since each packaging machine with separate printing modules and Faltmodulen is to equip what a duplication or multiplication of machine technology brings with it, the operating personnel must have a high level of skills to control Complex machines and complex workflows. The investment costs for the machines increase not least because the printing and folding stations for each packaging line must be available separately and therefore have to be installed several times. In addition, it should not be concealed that the internal or internal process logistics in some places compared to the previously known conventional processes relatively complex. Added to this are the necessary transport routes for the unprinted blanks from the interim storage facility, when these otherwise untreated blanks have to be transported to the production lines. The maintenance effort on each packaging line is also expected to be higher, as they are each equipped with more complex machine modules for printing and folding. Depending on the performance of these modules, the overall efficiency of each packaging line could be lower than that of centralized printing centers, but this can be offset by increased manufacturing and packaging flexibility.

In addition, it should be noted that in all variants that work with continuous material, ie where the flat packaging material is handled in particular by rollers, partial or pre-printing are possible. This means that the flat packaging material can certainly be provided with a partial printing or finish printing during its production before it is wound onto the rolls and delivered to the respective place of use. When using the rollers and their settlement can then preferably by means of suitable punching and / or cutting marks be ensured that the continuous material is cut and / or punched at exactly the intended places, whereby prepared partially printed or finished printed blanks can be formed, which can then be unfolded and further processed directly to finished or prepared for final printing outer packaging or compartments.

It should also be expressly mentioned at this point that all aspects and variants which have been explained in connection with the packaging and / or processing machine according to the invention, equally sub-aspects of the inventive method for providing outer packaging and / or compartments of folded and / or fold lines pertaining to or being able to be joined to flat sheet packaging material. Therefore, if at some point in the description or in the claim definitions for the packaging and / or processing machine according to the invention of certain aspects and / or relationships and / or effects, so this is equally true for the inventive method. Conversely, the same applies, so that all aspects and variants which have been explained in connection with the method according to the invention for providing outer packages and / or compartments of folded and / or folding lines joined flat folding packaging material, equally sub-aspects of the packaging and / or or processing machine or can be. Therefore, if at some point in the description or in the claim definitions for the method according to the invention of certain aspects and / or relationships and / or effects is mentioned, this applies equally to the packaging and / or processing machine according to the invention.

Finally, it should be emphasized at this juncture that it may be more convenient to refer to the components cooperating with the invention in their entirety as a packaging and / or processing system or as a packaging and / or processing arrangement, the system or arrangement for producing packaging units with at least two articles, piece goods and / or containers using outer packaging and / or packaging made of folded and / or joined together at fold lines flat packaging material. Therefore, if at any point in the present description of a packaging and / or processing machine is mentioned, this term may also generally by the concept of packaging and / or processing system or by the concept of packaging and / or processing arrangement, in particular Production of packaging units, each with at least two items, piece goods and / or containers using outer packaging and / or packaging of folded and / or assembled at folding lines flat packaging material to be replaced.

• 1 zeigt eine schematische Ansicht einer ersten Variante einer erfindungsgemäßen Verpackungs- und/oder Verarbeitungsmaschine, die der Herstellung von Verpackungseinheiten dient.
• 2 zeigt eine schematische Ansicht einer zweiten Variante der Verpackungs- und/oder Verarbeitungsmaschine.
• 3 zeigt eine schematische Ansicht einer dritten Variante der Verpackungs- und/oder Verarbeitungsmaschine.
• 4 zeigt eine schematische Darstellung einer ersten Verfahrensvariante eines Verfahrens zur Herstellung von Verpackungseinheiten unter Verwendung von flächigem Verpackungsmaterial, das zu Umverpackungen und/oder Gefachen umgeformt und mit Artikeln, Stückgütern und/oder Gebinden bestückt wird.
• 5 zeigt eine schematische Darstellung einer zweiten Verfahrensvariante des Verfahrens zur Herstellung von Verpackungseinheiten.
• 6 zeigt eine schematische Darstellung einer dritten Verfahrensvariante des Verfahrens zur Herstellung von Verpackungseinheiten.
• 7 zeigt eine schematische Darstellung einer vierten Verfahrensvariante des Verfahrens zur Herstellung von Verpackungseinheiten.
• 8 zeigt eine schematische Darstellung einer fünften Verfahrensvariante des Verfahrens zur Herstellung von Verpackungseinheiten.

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 variant of a packaging and / or processing machine according to the invention, which serves the production of packaging units.
• 2 shows a schematic view of a second variant of the packaging and / or processing machine.
• 3 shows a schematic view of a third variant of the packaging and / or processing machine.
• 4 shows a schematic representation of a first process variant of a method for the production of packaging units using sheet-like packaging material, which is converted into outer packaging and / or compartments and equipped with articles, cargo and / or containers.
• 5 shows a schematic representation of a second process variant of the method for the production of packaging units.
• 6 shows a schematic representation of a third process variant of the method for the production of packaging units.
• 7 shows a schematic representation of a fourth process variant of the method for the production of packaging units.
• 8th shows a schematic representation of a fifth process variant of the method for the production of packaging units.

For the same or equivalent elements of the invention use the 1 to 8th identical reference numerals. 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 container treatment machine according to the invention or the method according to the invention can be configured and do not represent a final limitation. It should therefore be emphasized at this point that the relative concrete and representatively described embodiments of the laid down in the claims and in the general part of the description in various embodiments defined abstract inventive idea in any way diminish or limit.

The schematic representation of 1 shows in highly abstracted form a basic variant of a packaging and / or processing machine according to the invention, here generally with the reference numeral 10 is designated. This packaging and / or processing machine 10 serves the production of packaging units 12 with at least two articles each 14 , optionally by piece goods and / or by packaging, each with several combined articles 14 or general cargo may be formed. The packaging units indicated schematically here 12 with a total of three combined articles 14 are using overpacks 16 and / or compartments (not shown here) of folded and / or folded along fold lines flat packaging material 18 produced, this flat packaging material 18 may be formed in particular by cardboard material, but also by other packaging materials such as plastic or composite material. In the embodiment shown, the outer packaging 16 through a folded carton for holding a plurality of articles 14 formed, together with the articles inserted there 14 the packaging unit to be produced 12 forms.

Several or a plurality of these thus formed packaging units 12 each having a defined number of individual articles received therein 14 can be combined into yet larger composite units, bundles or pallet assemblies, stacked and / or palletized, for example, to store, ship or otherwise have available.

The various arrows inside and outside the packaging and / or processing machine merely indicated by a dot-dash outline 10 as well as the individual elements projecting beyond their system boundary indicate the conveying movements. That's how the articles are made 14 in the transport direction 20 from the outside of the packaging and / or processing machine 10 supplied there using the first in the packaging and / or processing machine 10 folded and assembled outer packaging 16 to the packaging units 12 to be summarized. That for the production of the outer packaging 16 required starting material, the flat packaging material 18 , is also from the outside of the packaging and / or processing machine 10 fed and to the outer packaging 16 folded. As will be explained in detail below, the outer packaging can 16 before production, optionally within the packaging and / or processing machine 10 printed or partially printed. Likewise, the flat packaging material 18 optionally only in the packaging and / or processing machine 10 be finished punched. The outer packaging 16 become within the packaging and / or processing machine 10 with the intended number of articles 14 summarized, which is usually done by inserting the intended number of articles 14 in the at least unilaterally open outer packaging 16 will be done. The packaging units thus formed 12 are subsequently from the packaging and / or processing machine 10 in the transport direction 20 passed to subordinate conveyor and / or processing modules such as, for example, a packing and / or palletizing machine, which is not shown here in detail.

Like the 1 can also be seen, includes the packaging and / or processing machine shown there 10 at least a first station 22 for the adoption of at least partially shaped and / or appropriately sized blanks 24 , Sections or arcs of the flat packaging material 18 , at least one second station 26 for use and / or processing of the blanks 24 , Sections or arches and their unfolding to form the outer packaging 16 and / or for their assembly at at least one joint, edge and / or fold line to form a receiving volume for at least two items to be received therein 14 , Piece goods and / or containers.

In addition, the packaging and / or processing machine includes 10 in the in 1 shown minimum equipment at least one here only schematically indicated third station 28 to insert the at least two articles 14 , Piece goods and / or containers in the from the blanks 24 , Sections or arcs of the flat packaging material 18 formed outer packaging 16 under training and production of packaging units 12 , As mentioned, represent the first station 22 , the second station 26 as well as the third station 28 make a minimum of the packaging and / or processing machine shown here 10 It makes sense, the stations shown 22 . 26 and 28 also in the shown and named order in the conveying direction 30 the blanks 24 from flat packaging material 18 and / or in the processing and / or conveying direction 32 the packaging units to be formed 12 are arranged, but in no case excludes other stations, which may be between the three stations 22 . 26 and 28 arranged, upstream of this and / or can be arranged downstream, which is explained in more detail with reference to the figures explained below.

Those with and / or in the first station 22 the packaging and / or processing machine 10 supplied blanks 24 of the packaging material 18 can optionally be unprinted or at least partially printed or finished. In addition, those of the first station 22 supplied blanks 24 For example, be pre-punched or otherwise already brought into a form provided in which they can be unfolded and joined together in subsequent processing steps. As explained in more detail below, the blanks 24 also separated by a cutter from a roll of continuous material and the first station 22 the machine 10 be supplied such.

As the schematic representation of 2 can be seen in a further, also encompassed by the present invention variant of the packaging and / or processing machine 10 be provided that the first station 22 to take over the defined shaped and / or dimensioned blanks 24 , Sections or arcs of the flat packaging material 18 in their conveying direction 30 a fourth station 34 for printing at least partial areas of the blanks 24 , Sections or sheets and / or for the application of colored and / or graphic imprints 36 , Inscriptions, coatings and / or paint jobs and / or other applications at least on an outside and / or inside of the blanks 24 , is subordinate.

Normally, the packaging and / or processing machine 10 be configured in such a way that the fourth station 34 in the promotion process 30 the blanks 24 of the flat packaging material 18 between the first station 22 and the second station 26 or between the second station 26 and the third station 28 located. In principle, however, it could also be provided that the fourth station 34 the first station 22 is arranged upstream, so that the application of the printing 36 or partial imprints or the application of the coatings on the blanks 24 of the flat packaging material 18 before being accepted into the packaging and / or processing machine 10 can be done so that the fourth station 34 Although in functional terms of the machine 10 is assigned, but may be located at least slightly away from her spatially.

The remaining components, elements, and causal relationships that appear in 2 recognizable, do not differ from those already on the basis of 1 explained components, elements and interactions, so that at this point to a repeated detailed explanation can be omitted.

When in the schematic representation of 3 illustrated further embodiment of the packaging and / or processing machine 10 can also be provided that the first station 22 to take over the defined shaped and / or dimensioned blanks 24 , Sections or arcs of the flat packaging material 18 and / or - as shown here - the fourth station 34 for applying the imprints 36 on the blanks 24 in their conveying direction 30 a fifth station 38 with a cutting and / or punching device 40 for shaping and / or dimensioning only partially preformed and / or pre-punched and / or cut to length blanks 24 is subordinate. By means of the cutting and / or punching device 40 become the blanks 24 in exactly the size and contour brought to it in the subsequent second station 26 to the outer packaging 16 fold and transform. Unless the blanks 24 before entering the fifth station 38 already have their intended length and width, the fifth station 38 a pure punching device 40 exhibit. However, if the blanks still have to be cut to length, the fifth station is included 38 preferably also a cutting device 40 ,

Optionally, it is in the illustrated variant of the packaging and / or processing machine 10 also possible that the fifth station 38 the first station 22 upstream, that is the punching and / or shaping of the blanks 24 , Sections or arcs of the flat packaging material 18 before being transferred to the packaging and / or processing machine 10 done so that the fifth station 38 Although in functional terms of the machine 10 may be assigned, but may be located at least slightly away from her spatially.

As mentioned, the fifth station can 38 in the promotion process 30 the blanks 24 of the flat packaging material 18 especially between the first station 22 and the second station 28 if there is no fourth station 34 is present and unless it is for some reason the first station 22 is upstream. In this case, the printing or partial printing in the machine 10 by means of the fourth station 34 possibly also after the shaping and / or punching of the blanks 24 in the fifth station 38 respectively. In addition, the fifth station 38 the blanks 24 optionally also remove from a continuous material and by means of the cutting device 40 Cut to length (not shown) to give the correct size for the outer packaging to be formed 16 to get.

The remaining components, elements, and causal relationships that appear in 3 recognizable, do not differ from those already based on the 1 and 2 explained components, elements and interactions, so that at this point to a repeated detailed explanation can be omitted.

The 4 to 8th show in highly schematic representations of different process variant of a method according to the invention for the production of packaging units using sheet-like packaging material, which is converted into outer packaging and / or compartments and equipped with articles, cargo and / or containers. If in this case partly of variants of the packaging and / or processing machine 10 the speech is, this should always refer to the respective process variant.

Thus, the schematic representation of the 4 a first variant of the method or the packaging and / or processing machine 10 with a central printing and punching center, where the fourth station 34 as a printing station of the fifth station 38 is arranged upstream as a punching station. In this variant, the blanks 24 printed or partially printed after its adoption in the machine handling and then punched and brought into the intended form, the order of the fourth and fifth stations 34 and 38 if necessary, it can also be the other way round, so that only punching and then printing can take place. The blanks 24 with the flat packaging material 18 In this process and / or machine variant, it is possible to deliver either as already cut raw sheets or from a roll 42 as continuous material and in blanks 24 to be cut to suitable lengths. After the completion of the punched and / or appropriately cut blanks 24 in the fifth (punching) station 38 are the blanks 24 in an interim storage 44 transferred and from this as needed to the various packaging lines 46 the packaging and / or processing machine 10 optionally, only there or even before the transfer to the interim storage 44 to the outer packaging 16 (see. 1 to 3 ) or compartments (not shown) can be unfolded.

The here as packaging lines 46 designated stations are in the in 4 shown embodiment of the machine 10 each by the in the 1 to 3 already explained third stations 28 to insert the at least two articles 14 , Piece goods and / or containers in the from the blanks 24 , Sections or arcs of the flat packaging material 18 formed outer packaging 16 under training and production of packaging units 12 educated. However, not shown here is the positioning of the second station 26 (see. 1 to 3 ), at which the blanks 24 to the outer packaging 16 unfolded; this second station 26 can optionally be in the field of packaging lines 46 or the temporary storage facility 44 be upstream. In the illustrated embodiment of the 4 are a total of three parallel packaging lines 46a . 46b . 46c or third stations 28 shown. However, it is also possible to have only two packaging lines 46 or third stations 28 or more than three packaging lines 46 . 46a . 46b . 46c or third stations 28 to be available.

The schematic representation of 5 shows a further or second variant of the method or a variant of the packaging and / or processing machine 10 with a central printing, punching and folding center, where the fourth station 34 for printing on the blanks 24 , the fifth station 38 for punching the printed blanks 24 and the second station 26 for unfolding the blanks 24 to the outer packaging 16 are arranged one behind the other, from where the re-folded outer packaging 16 in the interim storage 44 be handed over. In the fourth station 34 become the blanks 24 after being transferred to the machine handling, printed or partially printed, then in the fifth station 38 punched and brought into the intended form, the order may optionally be reversed, so that only the punching and then the printing can be done. After punching in the fifth station 38 become the blanks 24 in the second station 26 still prefolded, possibly even at least one fold line or by means of a folding tab o. The like. Still joined together, eg. By gluing or stapling, so that already the outer packaging 16 or compartments are available for subsequent production. These pre-folded and / or already assembled outer packaging 16 or divisions can then be in the interim storage 44 stored and stored temporarily, either in the unfolded or in the folded back and thus requiring less storage volume state. The blanks 24 with the flat packaging material 18 In this process and / or machine variant, it is possible to deliver either as already cut raw sheets or from a roll 42 as continuous material and in blanks 24 to be cut to suitable lengths. It is also conceivable, however, the flat packaging material 18 already in partially printed condition of a roll 48 deduct, leaving the fourth station 34 only has to provide for a finished printing, for example, with product and / or country-specific additions.

In the 5 shown machine or process variant provides that the blanks 24 , Sections or arcs of the flat packaging material 18 before their intermediate storage in the interim storage 44 to the outer packaging 16 and or Compartments are reshaped and / or assembled, stored for later processing and prior to insertion of the articles 14 , Piece goods and / or containers unfolded and / or in the for the packaging units to be formed 12 respectively required contour of the outer packaging 16 and / or divisions. However, it is also conceivable the outer packaging 16 intermediate storage in folded and finished molded form and in finished form from the intermediate storage 44 and in the packaging lines 46 or in the parallel packaging lines 46a . 46b . 46c etc. further processing.

The schematic representation of 6 shows a further alternative or supplemented variant of the packaging and / or processing machine 10 which has a central printing and punching center or a central printing 34 and punching station 38 in which the blanks 24 after their takeover in the machine handling in the fourth station 34 printed or partially printed, then in the fifth station 38 punched and placed in the intended form, the order may optionally be reversed, so that only the punching and then the printing can be done. The blanks 24 with the flat packaging material 18 In this process and / or machine variant, it is possible to deliver either as already cut raw sheets or from a roll 42 (unprinted) or 48 (partially printed or printed) as continuous material and cut into sections of suitable lengths.

After the punching and / or printing process in the fourth and fifth stations 34 and 38 become the blanks prepared in this way 24 in the central storage facility 44 from where it is needed to the production lines 46 for the formation of the outer packaging 16 and for their placement with articles 14 , Piece goods and / or containers for the production of packaging units 12 (see. 1 to 3 ) to get promoted.

Only after removal from the central storage facility 44 become the blanks 24 in the respective packaging stations or preparatory to the respective production lines 46 folded and at least one fold line or by means of a folding tab o. The like. Assembled, eg. By gluing or stapling, so that only immediately before the placement of the articles 14 , Piece goods and / or containers the outer packaging 16 or compartments for the respective packaging lines 46 (respectively. 46a . 46b . 46c ) be available. In the embodiment of 6 are thus the third stations 26 each at or in the respective parallel production lines 46 ( 46a . 46b . 46c ), especially at the beginning, since only after the production of the outer packaging 16 in the respective production lines 46 the filling of the outer packaging 16 with the articles 14 for the formation of the packaging units 12 can start.

This accounts for the in 6 shown variant of the machine 10 the pre-folding and / or assembly of the blanks 24 to the outer packaging 16 or compartments and their intermediate storage in the central storage facility 44 , so that the Wiederfaltfalten for intermediate storage can be omitted. Thus, the printed and stamped blanks need 24 significantly less storage volume in the interim storage 44 , Rather, this variant of the method provides that the blanks 24 , Sections or arcs of the flat packaging material 16 before being temporarily stored, they are merely punched and printed and only then to the outer packaging 16 and / or compartments to be reshaped and / or joined together if they are already from the interim storage 44 taken and to the respective packaging line 46 were transported where they were just before the insertion of the article 14 , Piece goods and / or containers unfolded and / or in the for the packaging units to be formed 12 respectively required contour of the outer packaging 16 and / or divisions.

In the 6 shown variant can also be referred to as a third method variant.

The in the 7 shown variant of the packaging and / or processing machine according to the invention 10 provides each decentralized printing, punching and folding modules, each of the packaging lines 46 assigned. In this process variant, raw sheets or at least slightly pre-machined blanks 24 initially centrally in the interim storage 44 stored, for example after they go to the packaging machine 10 to be delivered. This interim storage 44 may, for example, a storage location for rolls with endlessly wound on it flat packaging material 18 form. From this interim storage 44 is the continuous material or the raw sheets or pre-machined blanks 24 removed and, if necessary, to the packaging lines 46 - here as first, second and third packaging lines 46a . 46b and 46c indicated - supplied where they printed or partially printed, then punched and placed in the intended form, the order may possibly be reversed, so that only the punching and then the printing can be done. Each of the packaging lines 46 is therefore a separate and here designated as decentralized fourth station 34 or printing station, a separate and designated here as decentralized fifth station 38 for punching the blanks 24 and a separate and designated here as decentralized second station 26 for unfolding the blanks 24 and their transformation to the outer packaging 16 assigned, so that only immediately before the placement with the articles 14 , General cargo and / or containers the finished outer packaging 16 or compartments for the respective packaging lines 46 be available. This eliminates almost all preparatory manufacturing steps such as central printing, punching and pre-folding and / or assembly of the blanks in this variant 24 to the outer packaging 16 or compartments and their intermediate storage in the central storage facility 44 , so that the necessary re-folding for intermediate storage can be omitted. Thus, the unprinted or partially printed and not yet punched blanks need 24 or the wound on flat sheet packaging material 18 significantly less storage volume in the interim storage 44 ,

In the 7 shown variant can also be referred to as the fourth method variant.

The in the schematic representation of 8th shown another alternative variant sees a central punching center with a central fifth station 38 and several decentralized printing and folding modules - here formed by the respective packaging lines 46 associated fourth stations 34 for printing and second stations 26 for unfolding the blanks 24 - before, each of the packaging and / or production lines 46 assigned. In this process or machine variant are preferably pre-printed or partially printed Rohbögen or partially printed endless material from the role 48 or at least slightly pre-machined blanks 24 first to the central punching center of the fifth station 38 transported there, in the required dimensions and shapes, by being punched suitable, and then again stored centrally, here again in the interim storage 44 , That by the fifth station 38 formed central punching center can, for example, also from a storage location for roles 42 respectively. 48 with endless packaging material wound on it endlessly 18 be supplied. From the to the central punching center or the fifth station 38 connected intermediate storage 44 become the processed and appropriately punched blanks 24 taken and, if necessary, to the respective packaging lines 46 . 46a . 46b . 46c etc., where they printed or partially printed and then brought into the intended form and as outer packaging 16 be unfolded, the order may also be reversed, so that only the unfolding and then the printing can be done.

Each of the packaging lines 46 is in this variant a separate and here designated as decentralized fourth station 34 or printing station and a separate and designated here as decentralized second station 26 for unfolding the blanks 24 and their transformation to the outer packaging 16 assigned, so that only immediately before the placement with the articles 14 , Piece goods and / or containers the finished outer packaging 16 or compartments for the respective packaging lines 46 be available. In addition, the need for such from the interim storage 44 removed and decentralized in the packaging lines 46 printed and thus prepared blanks 24 from flat packaging material 18 at the respective production lines 46 Not only unfolded, but preferably also at least one fold line or by means of a folding tab o. The like. Assembled, eg. By gluing or stapling, so that only immediately before the placement of the articles 14 , Piece goods and / or containers the finished outer packaging 16 or compartments for the respective packaging lines 46 be available.

This eliminates some preparatory manufacturing steps such as central printing and pre-folding and / or assembly of the blanks in this alternative variant 24 to the outer packaging 16 or compartments, whereas the central punching and intermediate storage in the central storage facility 44 continue to be necessary. However, due to the temporary storage of the punched sheets or blanks 24 without their prefolding and joining the necessary re-folding for intermediate storage accounted for. Thus, the unprinted or partially printed and only stamped blanks need 24 significantly less storage volume in the interim storage 44 , Optionally, the central punching center can be supplied with endless material of the flat packaging material, which, for example, on rapidly interchangeable roles 48 can be wound up and taken from these if necessary and transported to the central punching center.

In the 8th shown variant can also be referred to as the fifth method variant.

In addition, it should be pointed out again that in all variants that work with endless material, so where is the flat packaging material 18 in particular of roles 42 or 48 is processed, partial or Vorbedruckungen are possible. This means that the flat packaging material 18 in its manufacture may be provided with a partial printing or finish printing before it on the rolls 48 wound up and delivered to the respective place of use. When using such equipped rollers 48 and in their settlement can then be ensured preferably by means of suitable punching and / or cutting marks that the endless material is cut at exactly the intended places and / or punched, thereby preparing partially printed or finished printed blanks 24 can be formed, which then produce directly or prepared for a final pressure overpacks 16 or compartments unfolded and can be further processed.

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

10

Packaging and / or processing machine, packaging machine, processing machine

12

Packaging Unit

14

items

16

overpack

18

Packaging material, flat packaging material

20

Transport direction (article)

22

first stop

24

cut

26

second station

28

third station, packaging line

30

Conveying direction (flat packaging material, blanks)

32

Processing and / or conveying direction (packaging units)

34

fourth station

36

Printing, lettering, coating

38

fifth station

40

Punching device, cutting device, cutting and / or punching device

42

Roll (with endless material of the flat packaging material)

44

interim storage

46

Packaging line, production line

46a

first packaging line

46b

second packaging line

46c

third packaging line

48

Roll (with printed or partly printed endless material of the flat packaging material)

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

• US 3293824 A [0021]
• WO 91/595 A1 [0021]
• EP 1038780 A1 [0021]
• EP 1449775 A1 [0022]
• DE 102006019994 A1 [0023]

Claims (16)

Packaging and / or processing machine (10) for the manufacture of packaging units (12) each having at least two articles (14), piece goods and / or containers using outer packaging (16), compartments and / or packages of folded and / or provided and equipped at fold lines flat sheet packaging material (18), wherein the machine (10) comprises at least: a first station (22) for taking over at least partially shaped and / or dimensioned blanks (24) of the flat packaging material (18), - A second station (26) for unfolding the outer packaging (16) and / or compartments from the blanks (24) and / or for their assembly at least one joint, edge and / or fold line to form a receiving volume for at least two therein Article (14), general cargo and / or containers, and - A third station (28) for inserting the at least two articles (14), piece goods and / or containers in the outer package (16) and / or the compartment under training and manufacture of the packaging units (12). Machine after Claim 1 in which the first station (22) for taking over the defined shaped and / or dimensioned blanks (24) of the flat packaging material (24) in its conveying direction (30) has a fourth station (34) for printing at least partial areas of the blanks (24). and / or for applying labels, coatings and / or paint jobs and / or other applications at least on an outside and / or inside of the blanks (24) is upstream or downstream. Machine after Claim 2 in that the fourth station (24) in the conveying path (30) of the blanks (24) of the flat packaging material (18) between the first station (22) and the second station (26) or between the second station (26) and third station (28) is located. Machine after one of the Claims 1 to 3 in which the first station (22) for taking over the defined shaped and / or dimensioned blanks (24) of the flat packaging material (18) in its conveying direction (30) has a fifth station (38) with a cutting and / or punching device (40 ) for shaping and / or dimensioning of only partially preformed and / or pre-punched and / or cut to size blanks (24) is upstream or downstream. Machine after Claim 4 in which the fifth station (38) is located in the conveying path (30) of the blanks (24) of the flat packaging material (18) between the first station (22) and the second station (26). Method for producing and / or providing overpacks (16) and / or compartments of folded and / or folded lines assembled flat packaging material (18), in particular for packaging at least two articles (14), piece goods and / or containers for the formation of Packaging units (12), in which method defined shaped and / or dimensioned blanks (24) of the sheet-like packaging material (18) fed to a packaging process, unfolded and at least one joint, edge and / or fold line to form an outer package (16) and / or a compartment with a receiving volume for at least two items (14), piece goods and / or containers to be accommodated therein, and in which the outer packages (16) thus formed and / or the compartments thus formed are made available to the packaging process. Method according to Claim 6 in which the blanks (24) of the flat packaging material (18) printed at least in partial areas made available to the packaging process and / or delivered to a packaging and / or processing machine (10) and before, during and / or after the transfer to the Packaging process and / or the production of packaging units (12) with other imprints (36), labels, coatings and / or paint jobs and / or other applications are provided. Method according to Claim 6 in which the blanks (24) of the flat packaging material (18) are provided at least largely unprinted to the packaging process and / or delivered to a packaging and / or processing machine (10) and before, during and / or after the transfer to the packaging process and / or the production of the packaging units (12) with imprints (36), labels, coatings and / or paint jobs and / or other applications are provided. Method according to one of Claims 6 to 8th in which the blanks (24) of the sheet-like packaging material (18) are at least partially preformed and / or pre-punched and / or suitably cut to the packaging process and / or delivered to the packaging and / or processing machine (10) and before, during and / or after the transfer to the packaging process and / or the production of the packaging units (12) in the machine (10) to the outer packaging (16) and / or compartments reformed and / or assembled. Method according to one of Claims 6 to 8th in which the blanks (24) of the sheet-like packaging material (18) are unworked or at least partially preformed and / or pre-punched and / or suitably cut to length provided to the packaging process and / or delivered to the packaging and / or processing machine (10) and before it Use as outer packaging (16) further processed by cutting and / or stamping processes and before, during and / or after the transfer to the packaging process and / or the production of packaging units (12) in the machine (10) to the outer packaging (16) and / or compartments are formed and / or assembled. Method according to one of Claims 6 to 10 in which the unprinted or at least partially printed, labeled, coated and / or provided with color applications and / or other applications or provided flat packaging material (18) in matching blanks (24) each defined dimensions or as endless material provided the packaging process and / or the packaging and / or processing machine (10) and before, during and / or after the transfer to the packaging process and / or the production of the packaging units (12) in the machine (10) to the outer packaging (16) and / / or sections are cut to length and / or reshaped and / or assembled. Method according to one of Claims 6 to 11 in which partially or completely printed blanks (24) of the flat packaging material (18) which have been labeled, coated and / or provided with paint applications and / or other applications, prior to being fed to the packaging process and / or to the packaging and / or processing machine ( 10) away from this or in immediate physical proximity stored and the packaging process and / or the machine (10), if necessary, for further processing and for producing the packaging units (12) using the in the machine (10) completed outer packaging (16) and / or compartments are supplied. Method according to Claim 12 in which the blanks (24) of the sheet-like packaging material (18) before its intermediate storage to the outer packaging (16) and / or compartments formed and / or assembled, stored for later processing and prior to insertion of the articles (14), piece goods and / or containers are unfolded and / or into which for the packaging units (12) respectively required contour of the outer packaging (16) and / or compartments are brought. Method according to one of Claims 6 to 13 in which the at least two articles (14), piece goods and / or packages which form the packaging unit (12) are inserted into and / or removed from the outer packaging (16) processed and finished in the packaging and / or processing machine (10) these are at least partially enveloped. Method for packaging in each case at least two articles (14), piece goods and / or containers into packaging units (12) using outer packaging (16) and / or compartments of folded and / or folding lines joined flat packaging material (18), which according to of the Claims 6 to 14 in which the at least two articles (14), piece goods and / or packages which form the packaging unit (12) are inserted into the outer packaging (16) and / or at least partially enveloped by the latter. Method for packaging in each case at least two articles (14), piece goods and / or containers into packaging units (12) according to one of Claims 6 to 15 using a packaging and / or processing machine (10) according to one of Claims 1 to 5 for producing the packaging units (12).

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