DE102018105269A1 - Packaging device for articles and methods for providing sheet-like packaging blanks for articles - Google Patents

Abstract

There is disclosed a packaging device (1) for articles (3) such as beverage containers (5). The packaging device (1) comprises at least one horizontal conveying device (7) for conveying articles (3) and at least one feed device (4) which can introduce flat packaging blanks (2) into a transport path of the articles (3) so that articles (3) during conveying on the at least one horizontal conveyor (7) on introduced into the transport path surface packaging blanks (2) ascend. It is provided that the at least one feed device (4) is designed for recognizing and discharging certain flat packaging blanks (2 ') which were previously provided for introduction into the transport path and which provide certain blank packaging blanks (previously provided for introduction into the transport path). (2) 2 ') have an error.

Description

The present invention relates to a packaging device for articles and a method for providing sheet-like packaging blanks for articles.

For the processing, compilation, grouping and packaging of articles such as beverage containers, there are a variety of packaging types. Currently, for example, as a beverage container most commonly used PET containers have relatively low wall thicknesses and are not completely stable in shape even when filled. For this reason, and in view of the better logistical handling, a wide variety of packages are used for grouped individual containers. Thus, the containers can be placed in a grouped arrangement, for example. On a cardboard sheet whose edges are folded upwards. This is also called a tray. Embodiments are also known in which containers in a grouped arrangement, for example, are placed on a cardboard sheet which forms a flat base for the respective containers and has no edges which have to be folded upwards. These cardboard sheets or packaging are referred to as a pad.

In order to arrange a respective package as quickly as possible to the respective containers, devices are already known, in which the respective container ascend to a package or on a pad or tray. Such a device discloses, for example, the DE 10 2014 112 341 A1 , The packaging apparatus disclosed herein has a horizontal conveyor on which groups of containers are formed. Further, the packaging device comprises a carton feeder which provides carton wrappers. Cardboard outer packages are provided via the cardboard feed so that a respective group of containers can ascend to a respective cardboard outer packaging and subsequently stand up on the respective cardboard outer packaging.

Practice has shown that there may be problems in providing carton overwrap via the prior art carton feeder. In this case, it may be, for example, that a respective orientation of a cardboard outer packaging does not already coincide with a desired orientation during the movement in the direction of the horizontal conveying device guiding the groups of containers. If a respective group of containers then travels to such a cardboard outer packaging, it may not be possible for all the containers to stand up on the respective cardboard outer packaging and / or for a packaging unit formed from cardboard outer packaging and containers to be prone to instabilities.

It may also be the case that the entire packaging process is blocked if unintentionally several cardboard outer packagings adhere to one another and in this form are moved in the direction of the horizontal conveying device guiding the containers. Also, problems may arise, provided that a dimensioning and / or condition of a respective outer packaging does not agree with a predetermined desired dimensioning and / or target condition.

Up to now, in the state of the art, cardboard outer packagings that had a defect had to be removed by a user from the packaging device. The respective packaging process was unintentionally interruptible.

The object of the invention is therefore to provide a generic device and a generic method in which an intervention by a user in the case of a fault associated with a packaging failure is at least to a reduced extent necessary. The device should also have a simple structure. Next, the process should be easy to implement.

The above object is achieved by a packaging apparatus and a method having the features in the independent claims. Further advantageous embodiments are described by the subclaims.

The invention relates to a packaging device for articles such as beverage containers or the like. The packaging device comprises at least one horizontal conveyor for conveying articles. In various embodiments, the packaging device may include a divider that forms relatively spaced apart groups each having a plurality of articles. The groups of articles can be moved relative to each other by means of the at least one horizontal conveyor in a conveying direction of the at least one horizontal conveyor.

The at least one horizontal conveyor device may comprise a first conveyor belt which optionally moves already grouped or possibly already grouped articles in a horizontal direction. To the first conveyor belt can connect another conveyor. The further conveyor may be formed, for example, by a further conveyor belt and / or a plurality of adjacent conveyor chains and / or a plurality of adjacent conveyor belts. A gap may be formed between the first conveyor belt and the further conveying device, via which gap, as described below, flat packaging blanks in a transport path of the article can be introduced so that items during transport over the at least one horizontal conveyor or drive on a transfer from the first conveyor belt on the other conveyor on introduced into the transport path flat packaging blanks.

The flat packaging blanks may include side, front and / or rear flaps that can be erected or folded. For this purpose, a container forming unit, which may be formed as part of the at least one horizontal conveying device, may connect to the further conveying device, which container forming unit comprises a plurality of circumferentially moving folding fingers. The plurality of circumferentially moving folding fingers can erect or fold, in particular, front and rear flaps of the flat packaging blanks already introduced into the transport path of the articles and carrying a respective grouping of articles during their circulating movement. From the further conveyor can thus already introduced into the transport of the article and a respective group of articles bearing flat packaging blanks on the container forming unit, wherein by means of the respective plurality of circumferentially moving folding fingers of the container forming unit in particular front and rear flaps already in the transport of the Article introduced and a respective grouping of articles bearing flat packaging blanks are erected or folded.

Furthermore, the packaging device comprises at least one feed device, which, as mentioned above, can introduce flat packaging blanks into a transport path of the articles, so that articles ascend during transport via the at least one horizontal conveyor onto flat packaging blanks introduced into the transport path. The feed device may comprise at least one suction and / or gripping device and at least one transport device, wherein the at least one suction and / or gripping device can lift off respective stacked packaging blanks arranged on top of a stack from the stack and transfer them to the transport device. The at least one transport device can then introduce respective flat packaging blanks in the transport path of the article. The stack may be provided via a magazine formed as part of the packaging device. The packaging device may comprise a control and / or regulating device with which the at least one suction and / or gripping device is connected. If appropriate, the control and / or regulating device can control the at least one suction and / or gripping device for lifting off a respective flat packaging blank arranged at the top of the stack. The at least one feed device can be arranged or positioned at least partially and preferably completely or substantially completely below a conveying plane formed by the at least one horizontal conveying device for articles.

It is provided that the at least one feed device is designed for recognizing and discharging or discarding certain flat packaging blanks provided up to then for introduction into the transport path, which defects have a certain and until then provided for introduction into the transport path flat packaging blanks.

Furthermore, it may be that the at least one feed device has at least one optical detection device, preferably designed as a camera, by means of which at least one optical detection device can detect a fault of respective flat packaging blanks previously provided for introduction into the transport path. It is also conceivable that the at least one optical detection device comprises a light barrier. The at least one optical detection device is preferably positioned in such a way that planar packaging blanks already completely separated from the stack and not yet introduced into the transport path of the articles reach the detection region of the at least one optical detection device.

As already mentioned above, it may be that the at least one feed device comprises at least one transport device which is designed to introduce flat packaging blanks into the transport path of the articles. A section of the at least one transport device can be designed to be able to pivot out of the respective flat packaging blank having an error. In particular, the packaging device or the feed device may have an actuator, via which the section of the at least one transport device for discharging the respective flat packaging blank having an error can be pivoted. The control and / or regulating device can be connected to the actuator and, if necessary, control the actuator for pivoting the section of the transport device.

In particular, it may be that the section of the at least one transport device for deflecting the respective flawed flat packaging blank is pivotable in the downward direction about an axis oriented at least approximately horizontally.

Embodiments have proven successful in which the at least one feed device at least one collecting container, in which at least one collecting container can forward a respective flat packaging blank having a defect, by means of a preferably directed in the downward direction and an at least approximately horizontally oriented axis pivotal movement of its section. In conceivable embodiments, the packaging device may comprise at least one first collecting container, in which flat, defective and suitable for further use or packaging packaging blanks are introduced. In addition, the packaging device may comprise at least a second collecting container, in which flat and not suitable for further use or packaging packaging blanks are introduced. In this case, it may be that the control and / or regulating device, with the aid of the at least one optical detection device, makes a decision as to whether a respective flat packaging blank having a defect is to be introduced into the at least one first collecting container or into the at least one second collecting container ,

It may be that on the at least one feeding flat packaging blanks with a predetermined clock frequency in the transport of the article can be introduced, wherein the at least one feeding device is regulated such that the at least one feed device in the case of a respective deriving a faulty flat packaging blank the predetermined Clock frequency can be maintained. As already mentioned, the at least one feed device may comprise at least one transport device. The at least one feed device can in this case be controllable in such a way that a conveying speed of the at least one transport device or at least one conveying section of the at least one transport device is temporarily increased in a coordinated manner and on the removal or rejection of the respective flat packaging blank having an error.

Furthermore, embodiments have proven useful in which the at least one feed device and the at least one horizontal conveyor cooperate in such a way that a conveying speed of the at least one horizontal conveyor can be adjusted in accordance with a rejecting or rejecting of a respective packaging blank having an error. In particular, the conveying speed of the at least one horizontal conveying device can be regulated in such a way that the conveying speed is temporarily reduced in a coordinated manner to the removal or rejection of the respective flat packaging blank having an error. If the at least one horizontal conveying device, as previously mentioned, comprises a first conveyor belt on which articles already grouped or grouped are moved, it may be that the at least one feed device and the first conveyor belt formed as part of the at least one horizontal conveyor cooperate in such a way in that a conveying speed of the first conveyor belt embodied as part of the at least one horizontal conveying device is tuned to a discharging or rejecting of a respective packaging blank having an error. In particular, it can be the case that a conveying speed of the first conveyor belt provided for grouped or grouped articles is temporarily reduced.

• - eine Geometrie bzw. ein Umfangsverlauf eines flächigen Verpackungszuschnittes nicht mit einer vorgegebenen Soll-Geometrie bzw. einem vorgegebenen Soll-Umfangsverlauf übereinstimmt und/oder dadurch, dass
• - eine Lage und/oder Position eines flächigen Verpackungszuschnittes nicht mit einer vorgegebenen Soll-Lage bzw. Soll-Position übereinstimmt und/oder dadurch, dass
• - an einem jeweiligen flächigen Verpackungszuschnitt ungewollt mindestens ein weiterer flächiger Verpackungszuschnitt anhaftet.

An error of a respective flat packaging blank can be formed, for example, by the fact that

• - A geometry or a circumferential course of a flat packaging blank does not coincide with a predetermined desired geometry or a predetermined desired circumferential course and / or in that
• - A position and / or position of a flat packaging blank does not coincide with a predetermined desired position or desired position and / or in that
• - Unintentionally at least one further flat packaging blank adheres to a respective flat packaging blank.

The invention further relates to a method for providing sheet-like packaging blanks for articles such as beverage containers or the like. Features which have already been described above for various embodiments of the packaging apparatus can also be provided in various embodiments of the method described below and are not mentioned repeatedly. Further, features described below, which relate to various embodiments of the method may be provided in previously described packaging device.

A first step is to promote articles. Here, groups of articles in a conveying direction relative to each other can be moved horizontally spaced. A further step provides for the introduction of flat packaging blanks into a transport path of the articles, wherein articles ascend during transport on flat packaging blanks introduced into the transport path.

The flat packaging blanks can be formed for example by cardboard, cardboard, corrugated cardboard and / or plastic. Furthermore, packaging blanks provided for introduction into the transport path are checked for an error, and such respective sheet-like packaging blanks, in the inspection of which an error is detected, are discarded instead of being introduced into the transport path.

It may be that respective intended for introduction into the transport path flat packaging blanks with the aid of at least one optical detection device and in particular with the aid of a camera to be checked for an error. It is also conceivable that respective intended for introduction into the transport flat packaging blanks are checked with the aid of a light barrier on a mistake.

Further, it may be that the flat packaging blanks are introduced via at least one transport device in the transport path of the article, wherein upon detection of an error in the review, a portion of the at least one transport device is preferably pivoted about an at least approximately horizontally oriented axis in the downward direction , as a result of which the respective flat packaging blank, in which an error is detected in the course of the check, is discarded or rejected instead of being introduced into the transport path.

It is also conceivable that the respective flat packaging blank, in which an error is detected in the context of the check, instead of being introduced into the transport path via the preferably at least approximately horizontally oriented axis in the downward direction portion of the at least one transport device into a collecting container is forwarded. In this case, the respective flat packaging blank having an error may lose contact or surface contact with the section of the transport device pivoted in the downward direction, whereupon the portion pivoted in the downward direction is swung back upwards into an initial position.

It is also conceivable for flat packaging blanks to be introduced into the transport path of the articles via at least one feed device with a predetermined clock frequency, wherein the at least one feed device is controlled to maintain the specific clock frequency in the event of a respective flat packaging blank being diverted.

In addition, a conveying speed of the articles can be adjusted in accordance with a respective discharge of a respective flat packaging blank.

It should be pointed out that all aspects that may be discussed in connection with the packaging device explained above in different embodiments and that may be associated with it may also form part of the method according to the invention and vice versa.

• 1 zeigt eine schematische Seitenansicht einer Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Verpackungsvorrichtung.
• 2 zeigt eine schematische Perspektivansicht der Ausführungsform der Verpackungsvorrichtung aus 1.
• 3 bis 8 zeigen jeweils eine weitere schematische Perspektivansicht der Ausführungsform der Verpackungsvorrichtung aus den 1 und 2 und verdeutlichen Schritte, wie sie bei diversen Ausführungsformen des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens vorgesehen sein können.
• 9A und 9B zeigen gemeinsam eine Ausführungsform einer Horizontalfördereinrichtung, wie sie als Bestandteil diverser Ausführungsformen einer Verpackungsvorrichtung vorgesehen sein kann bzw. wie sie zur Umsetzung für diverse Ausführungsformen des Verfahrens Verwendung finden kann.
• 10 zeigt im Flussdiagramm eine Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens.

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 side view of an embodiment of the packaging device according to the invention.
• 2 shows a schematic perspective view of the embodiment of the packaging device 1 ,
• 3 to 8th each show a further schematic perspective view of the embodiment of the packaging device of the 1 and 2 and illustrate steps as they may be provided in various embodiments of the method according to the invention.
• 9A and 9B together show an embodiment of a horizontal conveyor, as may be provided as part of various embodiments of a packaging device and how it can be used to implement for various embodiments of the method use.
• 10 shows in the flowchart an embodiment of the method according to the invention.

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

The 1 shows a schematic side view of an embodiment of the packaging device according to the invention 1 , The packaging device 1 includes a horizontal conveyor 7 which, for example, according to the Embodiment from 9 may be formed and by means of which article 3 , which in the present case by beverage containers 5 are formed along the direction indicated by arrow arrow conveying direction FR to be moved.

Part of the packaging device 1 is a feeder 4 below one through the horizontal conveyor 7 trained transport plane is positioned. About the feeder 4 can flat packaging blanks 2 (see. 2 ) in a transport path of the article 3 or beverage container 5 be introduced so that the articles 3 or beverage container 5 during its continuous and over the horizontal conveyor 7 caused movement on the introduced into the transport packaging blanks 2 mount up. The packaging blanks 2 can provide a level footprint for articles 3 form. In various embodiments, the packaging blanks 2 Own edges after opening the article 3 on a respective packaging blank 2 to be folded upwards.

The packaging device 1 includes a magazine 11 in which several packaging blanks 2 in stacked form or as a stack 13 are arranged. In addition, the packaging device comprises 1 a suction and / or gripping device 15 , which as part of the feeder 4 is formed and a respective uppermost as part of the stack 13 trained flat packaging blank 2 from the pile 13 can take. The suction and / or gripping device 15 can then a respective from the stack 13 accepted flat packaging blank 2 between two toothed belts 16 the feeder 4 bring in which toothed belt 16 be moved circumferentially and thereby a respective introduced packaging blank 2 in the direction of an optical detection device 18 promote. The suction and / or gripping device 15 This is via the control and / or regulating device S controlled or operated. On a transfer position from which the timing belt 16 the respective packaging blank 2 from the suction and / or gripping device 15 will take in 1 with numeral 20 directed.

The timing belt 16 are driven in rotation and move the respective in the transfer position 20 accepted packaging blank 20 in the direction of an optical detection device 18 , which may include, for example, a light barrier and / or a camera.

Practice has shown that during a continuous removal on packaging blanks 2 from the pile 13 individual over the timing belt 16 accepted packaging blank 2 may have an error. For example, there may be an error when dimensioning a respective packaging blank 2 does not correspond to a given nominal dimensioning or dimensions of packaging blanks 2 are too large or too small. Also, it may be that a position of over the timing belt 16 accepted packaging blanks 2 does not agree with a desired or predetermined desired position. Also, several packaging blanks 2 on the stack 13 adhere to each other due to electrostatic adhesion and / or mechanical entanglement, so that via the suction and / or gripping device 15 unintentionally several adhering packaging blanks 2 in the area of the transfer position 20 to the timing belt 16 be handed over. Also such adhering packaging blanks 2 are not suitable in the transport of the article 3 or beverage container 5 to be introduced and therefore form an error.

The optical detection device 18 stands with the control and / or regulating device S in connection. With the aid of the optical detection device 18 is the control and / or regulating device S being able to make a mistake respectively via the timing belt 16 in the area of the optical detection device 18 moving flat packaging blanks 2 to recognize. Because such packaging blanks 2 are not suitable in the transport of the article 3 or beverage container 5 to be introduced, as will be described below, a section 27 as part of the feeder 4 trained and flat packaging blanks 2 moving transport device 25 pivoted downwards. As a result, such a defective packaging blanks 2 ' (see. 3 ) each in a collecting container 28 forwarded, whereas packaging blanks 2 , in whose verification no error was detected, via the conveyor section 29 the transport device 25 in the transport of the article 3 or beverage container 5 be introduced. The section 27 the transport device 25 is a guide 32 assigned, which can be prevented that a respective packaging blank 2 ' that has a fault, the downward-sloping portion 27 before forwarding into the collecting container 28 unintentionally leaves. This is the guide 32 stationary at the section 27 arranged.

The reference number 30 thus refers to 1 to a verification area, in which it is determined whether respective until then for introduction into the transport route of articles 3 or beverage containers 5 provided packaging blanks 2 make a mistake. If individual packaging blanks 2 ' is recognized that they form a mistake, such packaging blanks 2 ' by means of the previously described and oriented in the downward direction pivotal movement of the section 27 in the collecting container 28 forwarded. Unless with packaging blanks 2 no error is detected, the remains in the review area 30 located and as part of the transport facility 25 trained section 27 in the horizontally oriented position according to 1 and will not be swung down. As a result, respective flawless packaging blanks 2 about in a funding area 40 the packaging device 1 arranged conveyor section 29 in the transport of the article 3 or beverage container 5 introduced, with several articles 3 or beverage container 5 on a respective introduced in their transport flawless packaging blank 2 mount up.

If over a certain time course of the control and / or regulating device S with the aid of the optical detection device 18 no errors in packaging blanks 2 be recognized, the horizontal conveyor 7 operated at a constant conveying speed, so that over the course of time a constant number of articles 3 or beverage containers 5 along the horizontal conveyor 7 is moved. Also, about the at least one feeder 4 flat packaging blanks 2 with predetermined and to the constant conveying speed of the horizontal conveyor 7 adapted clock frequency in the transport of the article 3 or beverage container 5 brought in.

If a packaging blank 2 has an error, this is still provided for introduction into the transport path packaging blank 2 ' instead of introducing into the collecting container 28 forwarded. As this packaging blank 2 ' which has a defect, thereby not ready for introduction, must the packaging device 1 be controlled in accordance to the discharge or discharge of the faulty packaging blank 2 ' to compensate. Both the feeder 4 as well as the horizontal conveyor 7 stand with the control and / or regulating device S in connection. If a respective defective packaging blank has been removed or rejected, the control and / or regulating device can S a conveying speed of the horizontal conveyor 7 and optionally a conveying speed of the as part of the horizontal conveyor 7 trained first conveyor belt 8th (see. 9 ) Temporarily reduce, so that a former for driving on the one mistake having packaging blank 2 ' predetermined group of articles 3 or group of beverage containers 5 now to a subsequent via the feeder 4 in the transport of the article 3 or beverage container 5 introduced packaging blank 2 ascends.

Alternatively, it may be that the feeder 4 via the control and / or regulating device S is regulated so that the feeder 4 in case of discharging or rejecting a respective packaging blank having an error 2 can comply with the specified clock frequency. In particular, this can be a conveying speed of the conveying section 29 be temporarily increased. Also, the suction and / or gripping device 15 for separating an additional packaging blank 2 be controlled to the absence of the catch container 28 forwarded or faulty packaging blank 2 ' to compensate. It is also conceivable that a conveying speed of the respective packaging blank 2 in the direction of the optical detection device 18 moving timing belt 16 is temporarily increased.

The 2 shows a schematic perspective view of the embodiment of the packaging device 1 out 1 , The packaging device 1 is located in 2 in a regular packaging operation, where none of the in 2 with illustrated packaging blanks 2 makes an error. About the feeder 4 or the conveyor section 29 the feeder 4 become flawless packaging blanks 2 with predetermined clock frequency in a transport path of the article 3 or beverage container 5 brought in. The horizontal conveyor 7 moves the articles already grouped into groups 3 or the already grouped into beverage containers 5 with constant conveying speed. The horizontal conveyor 7 and the feeder 4 be about this via the control and / or regulating device S controlled, which also with the optical detection device 18 communicates.

The schematic perspective view of 3 further shows the packaging device 1 from the 1 and 2 , In reference with numeral 2 ' a packaging blank is shown, which at least one error as described above 1 having. The packaging blank 2 ' , which has a fault has already been from the suction and / or gripping device 15 from the pile 13 removed and attached to the timing belt 16 passed on the packaging blank 2 ' which has a defect in the direction of the optical detection means 18 have moved. As previously mentioned, the optical detection means 18 with the control and / or regulating device S in connection, which in 3 with the aid of the optical detection device 18 recognizes that the packaging blank 2 ' has an error.

The schematic perspective view of 4 shows the packaging device 1 from the 1 to 3 as well as another step as he out on the procedural step 3 follows in time. The control and / or regulating device S has already realized that the packaging blank 2 ' has an error and the faulty packaging blank 2 ' on the section 27 the transport device 25 moves over which section 27 the faulty packaging blank 2 ' can be discharged or rejected. Also the flat packaging blank 2 which is on the defective packaging blank 2 ' followed, was via the control and / or regulating device S with the aid of the optical detection device 18 verified that this packaging blank 2 has no error.

The schematic perspective view of 5 shows the packaging device 1 from the 1 to 4 as well as another step as he out on the procedural step 4 follows in time. About the control and / or regulating device S has already been oriented in a downward direction and for discharging the one flawed flat packaging blank 2 ' initiated lowering movement initiated. Those already on the conveyor section 29 the transport device 25 located flat packaging blanks 2 continue to be on the conveyor section 29 in the direction of via the horizontal conveyor 7 moving groups of articles 3 or groups of beverage containers 5 transported. To prevent that on the section 27 arranged, having an error flat packaging blank 2 ' unintentionally his contact to the section 27 Loses, one can be fixed to the section 27 arranged and in 5 not with illustrated guide 24 corresponding 1 be provided.

The schematic perspective view of 6 shows the packaging device 1 from the 1 to 5 as well as another step as he out on the procedural step 5 follows in time. As 6 shows loses the defective packaging blank 2 ' his contact with the further downwards pivoted section 27 the transport device 25 and gets into the collection container 28 continued. While a lot of the faulty packaging blank 2 ' still on the section 27 the transport device 25 is already a subsequent flat packaging blank 2 on the section 27 , which is further pivoted in the downward direction, arranged.

The schematic perspective view of 7 shows the packaging device 1 from the 1 to 6 as well as another step as he out on the procedural step 6 follows in time. In particular, a synopsis of the 6 and 7 realize that the in 6 for discarding or discharging the packaging blank having an error 2 ' in the direction down-swung section 27 the transport device 25 in 7 together with the resting flawless flat packaging blank 2 was swung back in the upward direction. Corresponding 8th can the flawless flat packaging blank 2 from the section 27 to the conveyor section 29 which are the flat packaging blank 2 towards the groups of articles 3 or groups of beverage containers 5 emotional. A regulation for balancing the now in the collection container 28 located and a faulty flat packaging blank 2 ' may according to previous description too 1 respectively. Is in another by means of the control and / or regulating device S with the aid of the optical detection device 18 checked flat packaging blank 2 detected a fault, the packaging device 1 also this further flat and a faulty packaging blank 2 ' according to the previous description of the 3 to 7 discharge or into the collecting container 28 hand off.

The 9A and 9B show an embodiment of a horizontal conveyor 7 as part of various embodiments of a packaging device 1 may be provided or as they are to implement for various embodiments of the method 100 (see. 10 ) Can be used. So shows 9A a schematic side view of the horizontal conveyor 7 and 9B a schematic plan view of the horizontal conveyor 7 out 9A ,

The horizontal conveyor 7 includes a first conveyor belt 8th on which article 3 or beverage container 5 , which may already be grouped together, in or along the direction of funding FR be moved horizontally. On the first conveyor belt 8th follows in the conveying direction FR another conveyor 9 Which can be formed in conceivable embodiments, for example, by a plurality of circumferentially and parallel to each other guided conveyor chains or by several circumferentially and parallel to each other guided conveyor belt. Also, it may be that the further conveyor 9 is formed by another conveyor belt. 9A and 9B let also recognize that between that as part of the horizontal conveyor 7 trained conveyor belt and also as part of the horizontal conveyor 7 trained another Conveyor 9 A gap 50 located. About the gap 50 can flat packaging blanks 2 (see. 2 to 8th ) in the transport route of the article 3 or beverage container 5 , as previously described, introduced.

It may be the case that the respective flat packaging blanks 2 (see. 2 to 8th ) have front and rear tabs, the time after the respective introduction into the transport of the article 3 or beverage container 5 over the gap 50 have to be set up. For this purpose, the further conveyor 9 a container forming unit 10 in the conveying direction FR downstream. The respective of the further conveyor 9 in the conveying direction FR moving, a respective grouping of articles 3 already bearing and until then unrestricted front and rear flaps having flat packaging blanks 2 come from the other conveyor 9 then to the container molding unit 10 about. About the container forming unit 10 become the one particular grouping of articles 3 already bearing flat packaging blanks 2 further in the conveying direction FR moved, wherein a plurality of as part of the container molding unit 10 trained and circulating moving folding fingers 12 the front and rear flaps of the flat packaging blanks 2 upright or fold upwards. If the respective flat packaging blanks 2 have no front and rear tabs that can be folded in the upward direction, it may be that the horizontal conveyor 7 instead of the container molding unit 10 has another conveyor belt or that the horizontal conveyor 7 no container forming unit 10 having. 10 shows in the flowchart an embodiment of the method according to the invention 100 , By means of the packaging device 1 according to the previous ones 1 to 8th can the procedure 100 corresponding 10 be implemented. Next, to implement the method 100 to 10 a packaging device 1 according to the previous ones 1 to 8th and its associated description. The following reference numerals indicating the steps of the method 100 to 10 Therefore, refer to the embodiment of a packaging device 1 according to 1 to 8th ,

As part of a first step, articles 3 via at least one horizontal conveyor 7 or via a first possibly as part of the horizontal conveyor 7 according to 9 trained conveyor belt 8th emotional. Another step is to check for insertion into a transport path of the articles 3 provided packaging blanks 2 for an error. Unless for flat packaging blanks 2 In this case, no error is detected in the review, such flat packaging blanks 2 in the transport of the article 3 brought in. On the other hand, it is used as part of the inspection for a flat packaging blank 2 ' or more flat packaging blanks 2 ' If a fault is detected, such flat packaged blanks having an error will become defective 2 ' singled out or discharged instead of being introduced into the transport path.

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

Although in the context of the figures in general of "schematic" representations and views is mentioned, this does not mean that the figure representations and their description with respect to the disclosure of the invention should be of minor importance. The skilled person is quite able to take sufficient information from the schematic and abstract drawn illustrations that facilitate his understanding of the invention without, for example, from the drawn and possibly not exactly to scale proportions of the cargo and / or parts of the device or other drawn elements in any way would be impaired in its understanding. The figures thus make it possible for a person skilled in the art, as reader, to derive a better understanding of the inventive concept as formulated in the claims and in the general part of the description in more general terms and / or abstracts based on the specifically explained implementations of the method according to the invention and the more specifically explained mode of operation of the packaging apparatus.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

packaging device

2

packaging blank

3

items

4

feeding

5

beverage containers

7

Horizontal conveyor

8th

conveyor belt

9

Second conveyor belt

10

Container molding unit

11

magazine

12

folding fingers

13

stack

15

Suction and / or gripping device

16

toothed belt

18

Optical detection device

20

transfer position

24

guide

25

transport means

27

Section of the transport device

28

collecting container

29

conveyor section

30

Review area

32

guide

40

Förderbereich

50

gap

100

method

FR

conveying direction

S

Control and / or regulating device

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

• DE 102014112341 A1 [0003]

Claims (13)

Packaging device (1) for articles (3) such as beverage containers (5) or the like, comprising - at least one horizontal conveyor (7) for conveying articles (3) and - at least one feed device (4), which flat packaging blanks (2) in a transport path the article (3) can bring in, so that articles (3) during conveyance on the at least one horizontal conveyor (7) on introduced into the transport travel on flat packaging blanks (2), characterized in that the at least one feed device (4) for detecting and discharging certain and until then provided for introduction into the transport path flat packaging blanks (2 ') is formed, which certain and until then provided for introduction into the transport path flat packaging blanks (2') have a fault. Packaging device after Claim 1 in which the at least one feed device (4) has at least one optical detection device (18), preferably designed as a camera, via which preferably an optical detection device (18) designed as a camera a fault of the respective planar packaging blanks (2) provided for introduction into the transport path ) is recognizable. Packaging device after Claim 1 or Claim 2 in which the at least one feed device (4) comprises at least one transport device (25) which is designed to introduce flat packaging blanks (2) into the transport path of the articles (3), a section (27) of the at least one transport device (25 ) is designed to be able to pivot out of the respective flat packaging blank (2 ') having an error. Packaging device after Claim 3 in which the section (27) of the at least one transport device (25) for deflecting the respective flawed flat packaging blank (2 ') is pivotable in the downward direction about an axis oriented at least approximately horizontally. Packaging device after Claim 3 or Claim 4 in which the at least one feed device (4) comprises at least one collecting container (28) into which at least one collecting container (28) the at least one transport device (25) has a respective flat packaging blank (2 ') which has a defect, by means of a preferably in the direction of downward and about an at least approximately horizontally oriented axis directed pivoting movement of its portion (27) can pass. Packaging device according to one of Claims 1 to 5 in which flat packaging blanks (2) can be introduced into the transport path of the articles (3) at a predetermined clock frequency via the at least one feed device (4), wherein the at least one feed device (4) is adjustable such that the at least one feed device (4) in the case of diverting a respective flat packaging blank (2 ') having an error, the predetermined clock frequency can be maintained. Packaging device according to one of Claims 1 to 5 in which the at least one feed device (4) and the at least one horizontal conveyor device (7) cooperate in such a way that a conveying speed of the at least one horizontal conveyor device (7) can be adjusted in accordance with a discharge of a respective flat packaging blank (2 ') having an error. Method (100) for providing sheet-like packaging blanks (2) for articles (3) such as beverage containers (5) or the like, comprising the following steps: conveying articles (3) and inserting flat packaging blanks (2) into a transport path of the articles (3), wherein article (3) drive during transport on introduced into the transport path flat packaging blanks (2), characterized in that - provided for introduction into the transport flat packaging blanks (2) are checked for a mistake and such respective flat packaging blanks (2 ') are discharged instead of introducing into the transport path, in whose verification an error is detected. Method according to Claim 8 in which respective planar packaging blanks (2) provided for introduction into the transport path are checked for an error with the aid of at least one optical detection device (18) and preferably with the aid of at least one camera. Method according to Claim 8 or Claim 9 in which the flat packaging blanks (2) are introduced via at least one transport device (25) in the transport path of the article (3), wherein upon detection of an error in the review, a section (27) of the at least one transport device (25) preferably to an at least approximately horizontally oriented axis is pivoted in the downward direction, resulting in the respective flat Packaging blank (2 '), in which an error is detected during the check, is discharged instead of being introduced into the transport path. Method according to Claim 10 in which the respective flat packaging blank (2 '), in which an error is detected in the course of the inspection, instead of being introduced into the transport path via the preferably pivoted at least approximately horizontally oriented axis in the downward direction portion (27) of at least a transport device (25) in a collecting container (28) is forwarded. Method according to one of Claims 8 to 11 in which laminar packaging blanks (2) are introduced into the transport path of the articles (3) via at least one feed device (4) with a predetermined clock frequency, wherein the at least one feed device (4) in the case of a respective flat packaging blank (2 ') for Compliance with the specific clock frequency is regulated. Method according to one of Claims 8 to 11 in which a conveying speed of the articles (3) is regulated in accordance with a respective discharge of a respective flat packaging blank (2 ').

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