DE102018202266A1 - Packaging device for articles and method for operating a trained for handling different flat packaging blanks packaging device - Google Patents

Abstract

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. Furthermore, the packaging device comprises at least one feed (4) which can introduce flat packaging blanks (2) into a transport path of the articles, so that articles ascend during transport via the at least one horizontal conveyor onto flat packaging blanks (2) introduced into the transport path.
It is provided that the feed (4) comprises a first conveyor (20), which is prepared for introduction of first flat packaging blanks (2) in the transport path of the article. In addition, it is provided that the at least one feed comprises a second conveyor (30), which is prepared for an introduction of second flat packaging blanks which are different from the first flat packaging blanks in the transport path of the article.

Description

The present invention relates to a packaging device for articles having the features of the preamble of independent claim 1 and to a method for operating a packaging device designed for handling different flat packaging blanks with the features of independent method claim 8.

For the processing, compilation, grouping and packaging of articles such as beverage containers, there are a variety of packaging types. Currently used 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 packaging or outer packaging for grouped individual containers are used. Thus, the containers can be placed in a grouped arrangement, for example. On a cardboard sheet whose edges are folded upwards. This Umverpackungen formed essentially by the supporting cardboard sheets is also referred to as 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 does not have the containers laterally circumferential and / or supporting edges, which must or can be folded upwards , These cardboard sheets or packaging are often referred to as a pad.

In order to be able to arrange a respectively desired packaging as quickly as possible on the respective containers, devices are already known in which the respective containers are driven onto a packaging or onto a PAD or tray. Such a device discloses, for example, the DE 10 2014 112 341 A1 , The packaging apparatus disclosed in this document has a horizontal conveyor on which groups of containers are formed. Furthermore, the packaging device comprises a cardboard feed, with which carton outer packagings are provided and introduced into the transport path of articles, so that in each case a group of containers can ascend to a provided carton outer packaging and thus come to a standstill on the respective carton outer packaging.

A carton feed as used in the DE 10 2014 112 341 A1 is disclosed, in practice regularly has a plurality of carriers, whose respective pitch must be adapted to the geometry or the dimensions of each to be introduced in the transport carton packaging. If a first packaging process is to be completed with first cardboard outer packagings and further carton outer packagings are to be introduced into the transport path of the articles in a time subsequent subsequent packaging process, which differ from the first carton outer packagings, the pitch of the individual drivers must also be changed. This is done in the previously known machines by manual means by a user and is correspondingly time consuming. The entire device is stopped for a longer period of time, so that during the conversion phase, no processing and packaging of articles is possible. Also, it can not be completely ruled out that such a manual change of the pitch is at least partially a faulty adjustment of the pitch, which can lead to significant disruption or problems in the subsequent handling and / or packaging of articles.

For this reason, an object of the invention can be seen in providing a corresponding possibility for a simplified change between different or differently dimensioned packaging blanks for a generic packaging device. Furthermore, the risk of problems or errors in a corresponding change is at least significantly reduced.

The above objects are achieved by a packaging apparatus and method comprising the features of the independent claims. Further advantageous embodiments are described by the dependent claims.

The invention relates to a packaging device for articles such as beverage containers or the like. The articles can be formed for example by bottles and / or cans or by other suitable containers, be they made of plastic, metal or glass.

The packaging device on which the invention is based comprises at least one horizontal conveying device for conveying articles as previously specified. The at least one horizontal conveying device may comprise a plurality of conveyor belts, wherein a gap for introducing flat packaging blanks in a transport path of the article is formed between two conveyor belts in the conveying or transporting direction, which typically takes place from an area below the conveying plane formed by the conveyor belts However, if necessary, could also take place from an area above the conveying plane formed by the conveyor belts.

Furthermore, the packaging device comprises at least one feeder, which is equipped and configured in such a way that it can introduce flat packaging blanks into a transport path of the articles, so that articles can ascend via the at least one horizontal conveyor onto flat packaging blanks introduced into the transport path during conveying, which are thus located after positioning each between the articles and the horizontal conveyor. The feed can be arranged or positioned completely or at least approximately completely beneath a transport plane for articles formed by the at least one horizontal conveying device. If the at least one horizontal conveying device, as mentioned above, comprises a plurality of conveyor belts, the feed or a first conveying device and second conveying device, which may also be described below and optionally formed as part of the feed, can be arranged or positioned below the at least one horizontal conveying device in the vertical direction ,

Further, the at least one feed comprises a first conveyor, which is prepared for introduction of first flat packaging blanks in the transport path of the article. Also, the at least one feed comprises a second conveyor, which is prepared for introduction of second flat packaging blanks in the transport path of the article. The second flat packaging blanks differ from the first flat packaging blanks. For example, it may be that the first flat packaging blanks differ from the second flat packaging blanks by a respective type of packaging intended for articles. The first flat packaging blanks may have, for example, edges which are folded upwards and / or folded upward in the direction of the top after appropriate lifting of respective articles onto a respective first flat packaging blank, so that they form lower edge regions which prevent articles from sliding sideways. Such first flat packaging blanks are referred to in practice as a tray.

Furthermore, second flat packaging blanks can be designed to be flat or substantially planar. Second flat packaging blanks may possibly have no edges, which are folded after appropriate driving of respective articles on a respective second flat packaging blank in the upward direction or are foldable in the upward direction. Such second flat packaging blanks are referred to in practice as a pad. First sheet packaging blanks and second sheet packaging blanks can each provide a flat footprint for articles. In this case, the first flat packaging blanks can differ from the second flat packaging blanks in the size or magnitude dimensioning of their respective contact area provided for articles. By way of example, a respective contact area provided for the articles over the first flat packaging blanks can be increased in terms of amount or reduced in amount relative to a respective contact area provided for the articles via the second flat packaging blanks. Thus, it may be that first flat packaging blanks are predetermined in comparison to second flat packaging blanks for a larger or smaller number of articles each to be picked up.

It is further provided that the packaging device is formed depending on respective in the transport of the article to bring first flat packaging blanks or second flat packaging blanks for a change between the first conveyor and the second conveyor. For example, it may be that the packaging device is designed such that a user makes the change between the first conveyor and the second conveyor. The first conveyor and the second conveyor may be formed as a structurally integrated component of the packaging device or at least one feed of the packaging device. It may be that the first conveyor and / or the second conveyor can not be removed without tools from the packaging device.

Embodiments have proven successful in which the first conveyor and the second conveyor are arranged on a common linear guide and are movable for the respective change along the common linear guide. The arrangement on the common linear guide can in this case be such that a respective user can move the first conveyor and / or the second conveyor at a respective change along the common linear guide or move manually along the common linear guide. As mentioned below, the respective change or the movement of the first conveying device and / or the second conveying device along the common linear guide may also be effected actuarially or with the aid of at least one actuator embodied as part of the packaging device during a respective change.

In addition, it is conceivable that the first conveyor and the second conveyor are coupled to a common drive shaft, by means of which common drive shaft, the first Conveyor and the second conveyor for each introduction of the first flat packaging blanks or second flat packaging blanks in the transport of the article can be operated. A longitudinal extent of the common drive shaft can here be oriented parallel to a guide direction of the common linear guide. The first conveyor and / or the second conveyor may optionally remain mechanically coupled to the common drive shaft during a respective change from an operating position to a waiting position. It is conceivable here that the packaging device or the supply has at least one coupling by means of which an actuation by the drive shaft for a conveyor located in a waiting position or the respective located in the waiting position first conveyor or second conveyor can be solved.

It may also be that the first conveyor comprises a plurality for temporarily holding first flat packaging blanks provided first driver. It may also be that the second conveyor device comprises a plurality of second drivers provided for temporarily holding second flat packaging blanks. A relative spacing of the first drivers with respect to each other can here be matched to the first packaging blanks to be temporarily held. Further, a relative spacing of the second driver can be matched to each other on the temporarily to be held second flat packaging blanks.

It is conceivable that the first conveying device and the second conveying device for introducing the first flat packaging blanks and the second flat packaging blanks into the transport path of the articles each comprise at least two conveying means oriented at least approximately parallel to one another, guided circumferentially and preferably each designed as a conveyor chain.

If the packaging device comprises a common linear guide for the first conveyor and the second conveyor, it may be that first conveyor or first conveyor chains of the first conveyor are independently movable along the common linear guide. Alternatively or additionally, it may be that second conveying means or second conveying chains of the second conveying device are movable independently of one another along the common linear guide.

As mentioned above, embodiments have proved successful in which the first conveyor and the second conveyor can each change from an operating position to a waiting position or in which the first conveyor and the second conveyor respectively from a waiting position to an operating position and from an operating position in a waiting position are movable.

Here, embodiments have proven in which a relative spacing of the at least two formed as part of the first conveyor at least two at least approximately parallel to each other oriented, circumferentially guided and preferably each formed as a conveyor chain conveyor in the waiting position relative to the operating position can be reduced. Alternatively or additionally, it may be that a relative spacing of the at least two formed as part of the second conveyor at least two at least approximately parallel to each other oriented, circumferentially guided and preferably each formed as a conveyor chain funding in the waiting position relative to the operating position can be reduced.

The packaging device may comprise a control device and at least one actuator, which is in communication with the control device. Here, the at least one actuator via the control device for independently performing a change between the first conveyor and the second conveyor can be controlled. In particular, embodiments have proved useful in which an association between respective different flat packaging blanks to be introduced into the transport path of the articles and conveying devices prepared for this purpose are stored on the control device. According to this, a user may optionally select planar packaging blanks to be introduced into the transport path of the articles via the control device, whereupon the control device optionally transfers a respective conveying device prepared for introducing a selected flat packaging blank into an operating position of the packaging device or the feed.

The invention also relates to a method for operating a packaging device designed for handling different flat packaging blanks. Features described above for various embodiments of the packaging apparatus may also be provided for the method described below and will not be mentioned repeatedly. Furthermore, features described below, which relate to various embodiments of the method, may be provided in previously described packaging device.

As part of a step of the method is provided that at least one formed as part of the packaging device horizontal conveyor promotes articles.

It is further provided that a first conveyor device formed as part of the packaging device introduces first flat packaging blanks into a transport path of the articles so that articles are driven onto the first flat packaging blanks. In this case, the first flat packaging blanks can emerge from below a conveying plane formed by the horizontal conveying device for articles, whereupon articles ascend onto a respective first second flat packaging blank which has emerged from below the conveying plane.

In addition, the conveying device configured as a component of the packaging device is exchanged for a second conveying device embodied as part of the packaging device. The second conveyor formed as part of the packaging device is prepared for introduction of second flat packaging blanks which differ from the first flat packaging blanks in the transport path of the articles. It is envisaged that temporally following this, the second conveyor introduces the second flat packaging blanks into the transport path of the articles so that articles are driven onto the second flat packaging blanks. In this case too, it may be that the second flat packaging blanks emerge from below a conveying plane formed by articles for the horizontal conveying device, whereupon articles ascend onto a respective second flat second packaging blank which has emerged from below the conveying plane.

It may be that the first conveyor and the second conveyor are arranged on a common linear guide, wherein the first conveyor and the second conveyor are moved when changing each along the common linear guide. The movement of the first conveying device and the second conveying device along the common linear guide can in each case take place in one direction, which is formed perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to a conveying direction for articles effected via the horizontal conveying device.

It may also be that the first conveying device comprises a plurality of first drivers provided for the temporary holding of first flat packaging blanks and that the second conveying device comprises a plurality of second drivers provided for the temporary holding of second flat packaging blanks. A relative spacing of the first carriers relative to one another can be matched to the first packaging blanks to be temporarily held. Further, a relative spacing of the second driver can be matched to each other on the temporarily to be held second flat packaging blanks. It may be that the second carriers are arranged in their relative spacing prepared to each other on the second conveyor and that is changed to the second conveyor, wherein the second drivers maintain their relative spacing to each other during time and in time after the change.

Furthermore, the first conveying device and the second conveying device can each comprise at least two conveying means which are oriented at least approximately parallel to one another and preferably each designed as a conveying chain, which respective conveying means are driven in rotation in the transport path of the articles for introducing the first flat packaging blanks or the second flat packaging blanks.

In addition, during the introduction of the flat packaging blanks into the transport path of the articles, the first conveying device may be in an operating position of the packaging device and be transferred to a waiting position. It may also be that, during the changeover, the second conveying device previously arranged in a waiting position of the packaging device is moved from the waiting position into an operating position of the packaging device.

In this case, embodiments have proved successful in which the at least two conveying means of the first conveyor, which are oriented at least approximately parallel to one another and preferably in each case as a conveyor chain, reduce their relative distance from one another during the transfer to the waiting position and / or in which the at least two are at least approximately parallel each other oriented and preferably each designed as a conveyor chain conveyor means of the second conveyor in the course of movement in the operating position increase their relative distance from each other. It may also be the case that the at least two conveying means of the first conveying device, which are oriented at least approximately parallel to one another and preferably in each case as a conveyor chain, increase their relative distance from each other during the transfer to the operating position and / or that the at least two are oriented at least approximately parallel to one another and preferably each designed as a conveyor chain conveyor of the second conveyor in the course of movement in the waiting position to reduce their relative distance from each other.

• 1 zeigt eine schematische Perspektivansicht einer Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Verpackungsvorrichtung.
• 2 zeigt einzelne Aspekte der Ausführungsform einer Verpackungsvorrichtung nach 1.
• 3 zeigt weitere Aspekte der Ausführungsform einer Verpackungsvorrichtung nach 1.

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 perspective view of an embodiment of a packaging device according to the invention.
• 2 shows individual aspects of the embodiment of a packaging device 1 ,
• 3 shows further aspects of the embodiment of a packaging device 1 ,

For identical or equivalent elements of the invention, identical reference numerals are used. Furthermore, for the sake of clarity, only reference symbols are shown in the individual figures, which are required for the description of the respective figure. The illustrated embodiments are merely examples of how the invention may be embodied and are not an exhaustive limitation. The embodiments, examples and variations of the preceding paragraphs, the claims or the following description and the figures, including their various views or respective individual features, can be used independently or in any combination. Features described in connection with one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments as long as the features are not inconsistent.

The 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 , by means of which article 3 in the embodiment shown by beverage containers 5 are formed, are moved along the direction indicated by arrow arrow conveying direction FR.

Part of the packaging device 1 is still a feeder 4 below one through the horizontal conveyor 7 trained transport plane is positioned. About the feeder 4 can flat packaging blanks 2 or. 2 ' (see. 2 and 3 ) 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 flat packaging blanks 2 or. 2 ' mount up. The packaging blanks 2 or. 2 ' can each provide a level footprint for articles 3 form. In various embodiments, the packaging blanks 2 or. 2 ' Own edges after opening the article 3 on a respective packaging blank 2 or. 2 ' to be folded upwards.

The packaging device 1 includes a magazine 11 in which several packaging blanks 2 or. 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 or. 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 or. 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 or. 2 ' in the direction of a first conveyor 20 or second conveyor 30 move, which is in an operating position of the packaging device 1 located. In the illustration according to 1 is the first conveyor 20 in accordance with 2 shown operating position and brings this first flat packaging blanks 2 in a transport route of the article 3 on.

To receive a respective flat packaging blank 2 or. 2 ' from the pile 13 becomes the suction and / or gripping device 15 in this case 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 or. 2 ' from the suction and / or gripping device 15 will take in 1 with numeral 17 directed.

In practice, those explained in the following 2 and 3 each with reference numerals 2 and 2 ' Have shown flat packaging blanks edges that are folded at a later time in the upward direction. Such flat packaging blanks are referred to as tray. It may also be that flat packaging blanks 2 or. 2 ' have no such edges, which are folded in the upward direction. Such flat packaging blanks 2 or. 2 ' In this case, they can be designed plan or substantially planar and are referred to as a pad. In addition, it may be that the packaging device 1 as part of a first packaging process packaging units from a first specific number of articles 3 forms and in the context of a second packaging process further packaging units with a second larger number of articles 3 forms.

So that the respective for a flat packaging blank 2 or. 2 ' provided article 3 on the respective flat packaging blank 2 or. 2 ' To find a place, one must by means of the flat packaging blank 2 or. 2 ' for respective articles 3 provided footprint on the respective article 3 or beverage container 5 be coordinated. It may be that by a first flat packaging blanks 2 for articles 3 provided footprint against a second flat packaging blanks 2 ' for articles 3 provided footprint reduced in amount or formed increased in amount. To the respective flat packaging blanks 2 or. 2 ' in the transport of the article 3 or beverage container 5 to be able to bring in the art has one as part of the feeder 4 trained conveyor to be adapted. Such known conveyors comprise a plurality of carriers, which are removed in known from the prior art packaging devices individually from the conveyor and then with changed and to each in the transport of the article 3 to be introduced flat packaging blanks 2 or. 2 ' adapted pitch to be fixed to the conveyor. Customizing a feeder 4 or conveyor to different flat packaging blanks 2 or. 2 ' is associated with known packaging devices with high expenditure of time and personnel.

As below to the 2 and 3 is such an adjustment in the packaging device 1 unnecessary. In addition, the adaptation of the packaging device 1 for successive packaging processes with different flat packaging blanks 2 or. 2 ' Time-optimized and can take place under reduced personnel expenditure.

The schematic representation of 2 shows individual aspects of the embodiment of a packaging device 1 to 1 , The first conveyor 20 is located in 2 in an operating position and brings this first flat packaging blanks 2 in a transport route of the article 3 on. For this purpose, the first conveyor comprises 20 two first subsidies 21 , each as a first conveyor chain 23 are formed. The first two subsidies 21 or first conveyor chains 23 are moved around, resulting in the first funding 21 or first conveyor chains 23 first flat packaging blanks 2 move and in the transport of the article 3 contribute.

How to 1 already described, flat packaging blanks 2 or. 2 ' from the pile 13 removed and in the transfer position 17 to the timing belt 16 to hand over. The timing belt 16 hand over the respective flat packaging blanks 2 or. 2 ' then to the respective in the operating position located first conveyor 20 or second conveyor 30 , In 2 is the first conveyor 20 in the operating position and takes over first driver 25 first flat packaging blanks 2 from the timing belt 16 opposite. The relative distance or pitch of the part as part of the first conveyor 20 trained first driver 25 is here in each case to be received and in the transport of articles 3 to be introduced first flat packaging blanks 2 customized. Accordingly, the first conveyor 20 with regard to the pitch or relative distance of their first driver 25 to each other on the introduction of first flat packaging blanks 2 in the transport of the article 3 prepared.

The 2 also shows that both the first conveyor 20 as well as the second conveyor 30 on a common linear guide 18 are arranged. As a result, both the first conveyor 20 as well as the second conveyor 30 as described below, between a waiting position and for introducing respective flat packaging blanks 2 or. 2 ' in the transport of the article 3 switch the intended operating position back and forth.

The schematic representation of 3 shows further aspects of the embodiment of a packaging device 1 , A synopsis of 2 and 3 illustrates here that the first conveyor 20 from the operating position 2 along the common linear guide 18 in one for the first conveyor 20 provided waiting position after 3 was moved. Both the first funding 21 the first conveyor 20 as well as the second funding 31 the second conveyor 30 are independent of each other along the common linear guide 18 movable. The 2 lets in conjunction with 3 recognize that the relative spacing of the first conveyor 21 or first conveyor chains 23 the first conveyor 20 in the waiting position relative to the relative spacing of the first conveyor 21 or the first conveyor chains 23 is formed reduced in the operating position.

Also lets 2 in synopsis with 3 recognize that the relative spacing of the second conveyor 31 or the second conveyor chains 33 the second conveyor 30 in the waiting position according to 2 relative to the relative spacing of the second conveyor 31 or the second conveyor chains 33 the second conveyor 30 in the operating position 3 also diminished is trained. As a result, both the first conveyor 20 as well as the second conveyor 30 be kept in their respective waiting position for each change in the respective operating position in a compact arrangement.

The relative distance or pitch as part of the second conveyor 30 trained second driver 35 is still to be received and in the way of transport of articles 3 to be introduced second flat packaging blanks 2 ' customized. Accordingly, the second conveyor is also 30 with regard to the pitch or relative distance of their second driver 35 to each other on the introduction of second flat packaging blanks 2 ' in the transport of the article 3 prepared, with the second flat packaging blanks 2 ' from the first flat packaging blanks 2 differ and, accordingly, the pitch or relative distance of the second driver 35 to each other with respect to the pitch or relative distance of the first driver 25 is designed differently from each other.

The 2 and 3 let in addition realize that both for the first conveyor 20 as well as for the second conveyor, the relative distance of the first driver 25 and the relative distance of the second driver 35 is maintained in the respective operating position and in the respective waiting position. The packaging device 1 therefore owns for different flat packaging blanks 2 or. 2 ' each with its own conveyor 20 or. 30 which are based on an introduction of these respective flat packaging blanks 2 or. 2 ' with regard to the relative distance or pitch of their drivers 25 or. 35 is prepared.

In practice, over the after 2 in the operating position located first conveyor 20 with their first carriers 25 first flat packaging blanks 2 , which may be formed as a pad, for example, in the transport of articles 3 (see. 1 ), so that the respective article 3 on the first conveyor located in the operating position 20 introduced into the transport first flat packaging blanks 2 mount up. Provided that it is provided in chronological order that article 3 on second flat packaging blanks 2 ' , which may be designed, for example, as a tray to ascend, the first conveyor changes 20 from the operating position 2 to the waiting position 3 , wherein the relative distance or pitch as part of the first conveyor 20 trained first driver 25 maintained unchanged. In addition, the changes for the introduction of second flat packaging blanks 2 ' in the transport of the article 3 prepared second conveyor 30 from the waiting position to 2 in the operating position 3 , Already in the waiting position 2 is the relative distance or pitch of the second driver 35 to the respective in the transport of the article 3 to be introduced second flat packaging blanks 2 ' adapts, leaving the second conveyor 30 respective second flat packaging blanks 2 ' for insertion into the transport path of the article 3 can temporarily hold clamped. The packaging device 1 This allows time-optimized as well as simple and uncomplicated to different in the transport of articles 3 to be introduced flat packaging blanks 2 or. 2 ' be adjusted.

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 person skilled in the art is quite capable of taking enough information from the schematic and abstract representations to facilitate his understanding of the invention, without being affected by the drawn and possibly not exactly to scale proportions of the articles 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

first flat packaging blank

2 '

second flat packaging blank

3

items

4

feed

5

beverage containers

7

Horizontal conveyor

11

magazine

13

stack

15

Suction and / or gripping device

16

toothed belt

17

transfer position

18

linear guide

20

first conveyor

21

first funding

23

first conveyor chain

25

first driver

30

second conveyor

32

second funding

33

second conveyor chain

35

second driver

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, 0004]

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 (4) which flat packaging blanks (2, 2 ') in a transport of the article (3) can bring in, so that article (3) during conveyance on the at least one horizontal conveyor (7) on introduced into the transport path surface packaging blanks (2, 2 ') ascend, characterized in that - at least a feed (4) comprises a first conveyor (20) which is prepared for introduction of first flat packaging blanks (2) into the transport path of the articles (3) and that - the at least one feed (4) has a second conveyor (30) includes, in the Tra. An introduction of second flat packaging blanks (2 '), which differ from the first flat packaging blanks (2) nsportweg of the article (3) is prepared, wherein the packaging device (1) depending on respective in the transport of the article (3) to be introduced first flat packaging blanks (2) or second flat packaging blanks (2 ') for a change between the first conveyor ( 20) and the second conveyor (30) is formed. Packaging device after Claim 1 in which the first conveying device (20) and the second conveying device (30) are arranged on a common linear guide (18) and are movable for the respective change along the common linear guide (18). Packaging device after Claim 1 or Claim 2 in which the first conveying device (20) comprises a plurality of first carriers (25) provided for temporarily holding first flat packaging blanks (2), and in which the second conveying device (30) has a plurality for temporarily holding second flat packaging blanks (2 '; ), wherein a relative spacing of the first driver (25) to each other on the temporarily to be held first packaging blanks (2) is tuned, and wherein a relative spacing of the second driver (35) to each other on the temporarily to be held second flat packaging blanks (2 ') is tuned. Packaging device according to one of Claims 1 to 3 in which the first conveying device (20) and the second conveying device (30) for introducing the first flat packaging blanks (2) and the second flat packaging blanks (2 ') into the transport path of the articles (3) at least two at least approximately parallel to each other , circumferentially guided and preferably in each case as a conveyor chain (23, 33) formed conveying means (21, 31). Packaging device after Claim 4 in which the at least one first conveying device (20) and the at least one second conveying device (30) can each change from an operating position into a waiting position. Packaging device after Claim 4 and or Claim 5 in which a) a relative spacing of the at least two conveying means (21, 31) formed at least two at least approximately parallel to each other, circumferentially guided and preferably each designed as a conveyor chain (23, 33) in the waiting position can be reduced relative to the operating position, and / or in which b) a relative spacing of the at least two formed as part of the second conveyor (30) at least two at least approximately parallel to each other oriented, circumferentially guided and preferably in each case as a conveyor chain (23, 33) formed funding (21, 31) is reducible in the waiting position relative to the operating position. Packaging device according to one of Claims 1 to 6 , comprising a control device (S) and at least one actuator, which is in communication with the control device (S), wherein the at least one actuator via the control device (S) for independently performing a change between the first conveyor (20) and the second conveyor (30) is controllable. Method for operating a packaging device (1) designed for handling different flat packaging blanks (2, 2 '), in which method - at least one horizontal conveyor device (7) designed as part of the packaging device (1) conveys articles (3) and - a first component the packaging device (1) formed conveyor (20) introduces first flat packaging blanks (2) in a transport of the article (3), so that items (3) ascend on the first flat packaging blanks (2), it being provided that - of the first as a component of the packaging device (1) formed conveyor (20) on a second as part of the packaging device (1) formed conveyor (30) is changed, which second as part of the packaging device (1) formed conveyor (30) to an introduction of second flat Packaging blanks (2 '), which are different from the first flat packaging blanks (2), in the transport path of the article (3) is prepared, and what time following - the second conveyor (30), the second flat packaging blanks (2') in the Transport path of the article (3) so that article (3) on the second flat packaging blanks (2 ') ascend. Method according to Claim 8 in which the first conveying device (20) and the second conveying device (30) are arranged on a common linear guide (18), the first conveying device (20) and the second conveying device (30) each being displaced along the common linear guide (18) to be moved. Method according to Claim 8 or Claim 9 in which the first conveying device (20) comprises a plurality of first carriers (25) provided for temporarily holding first flat packaging blanks (2), and in which the second conveying device (30) has a plurality for temporarily holding second flat packaging blanks (2 '; ), wherein a relative spacing of the first driver (25) to each other on the temporarily to be held first packaging blanks (2) is tuned and wherein a relative spacing of the second driver (35) to each other on the temporarily to be held second wherein the second drivers (35) are arranged in their relative spacing prepared on the second conveyor (30) and wherein with the already prepared relative spacing of the second driver (35) to each other on the second conveyor ( 30) is changed. Method according to one of Claims 8 to 10 in which the first conveying device (20) and the second conveying device (30) each comprise at least two conveying means (21, 31) which are oriented at least approximately parallel to one another and preferably each as conveyor chain (23, 33), which conveying means (21, 31 ) for introducing the first flat packaging blanks (2) or the second flat packaging blanks (2 ') in the transport path of the article (3) are driven in each case circulating. Method according to one of Claims 8 to 11 in which the first conveyor (20) is in an operating position of the packaging device (1) during the introduction of the first flat packaging blanks (2) into the transport path of the articles (3) and in the context of the change to a waiting position of the packaging device (1) is transferred and in which in the context of the change, the second until then arranged in a waiting position of the packaging device (1) conveyor (30) from the waiting position in an operating position of the packaging device (1) is moved. Method according to Claim 12 in which at least two first conveying means (21) of the first conveying device (20) oriented at least approximately parallel to one another and preferably each as a first conveyor chain (23) reduce their relative distance to each other during the transfer to the waiting position and / or at least two at least approximately parallel to each other and preferably each formed as a second conveyor chain (33) second conveying means (31) of the second conveyor (30) in the course of movement in the operating position increase their relative distance from each other.

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