DE102019113179A1 - Container, method for producing containers and container forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

A method for producing a container (2) comprising at least two articles (4) is disclosed, in which the articles (4) are initially grouped or / or positioned next to one another and then with a packaging blank (6) with cutouts (28), which with Longitudinal central axes of the articles (4) correspond, are equipped and mechanically held together, after which at least one strapping band (10) is placed and / or tensioned around the outer surface of the article (4), with which the articles (4) are strapped and fixed to one another also discloses a container forming device (8) for producing containers (2). A conveyor device (18) is used to feed grouped articles (4) to an application station (22) for packaging blanks (6). Another conveying device (18) is used to convey and / or transfer the packs (2) produced with the application station (22) to a strapping station (24). The application station (22) applies packaging blanks (6) to the grouped articles (4). The strapping station (24) processes the grouped articles (4) equipped in this way into strapping packs (2).

Description

The present invention relates to a method for producing a container comprising at least two articles with the features of the independent method claim 1 as well as containers produced in this way. In addition, the invention relates to a container forming device for producing containers.

There are different types of packaging for processing, assembling, grouping and packaging articles such as, for example, beverage containers, for example the combination of the articles or containers into portable, relatively manageable packaging units. Various possibilities are also known for combining individual articles into larger containers. For example, beverage containers are usually combined and packaged using shrink films to form packs of four, six or more containers. The production of containers is usually unavoidable as they represent the most common variant of sales units for beverage containers or bottles made of PET plastic. The containers are partially combined again for transport and / or put together in layers and palletized.

When manufacturing known types of packaging, specific manufacturing steps are required in order to be able to process the shrink films that are usually used. These manufacturing steps require a relatively high amount of energy. In addition, the film used incurs costs in terms of production, provision, handling and subsequent disposal, since it is no longer needed after it has been sold. The machine equipment for providing the so-called film wrapping modules and other handling stations also causes high investment costs. Finally, the provision of the so-called shrink tunnel, in which the film wrapped around the container is shrunk around the container by means of the application of hot air, requires a relatively high capital investment.

One variant in which the use of shrink film can be dispensed with are so-called strapping containers. Here, the containers are combined into a bundle using so-called straps and connected to one another. Containers, articles or bottles are grouped into formations in continuously or intermittently working strapping machines and then strapped with one or more straps with the help of strapping units. Typical formations can be, for example, 1x2 arrangements (two containers in a row), 2x2 arrangements (four containers in a square or in a diamond formation), 3x2, 4x3 or, in principle, also variable nxm arrangements.

Furthermore, the use of so-called top cardboard packaging is known, for example to combine several bottles over their neck areas. A packaging machine for placing such top cardboard packaging is in the patent EP 1 075 419 B1 described. Here the articles are arranged in a box and the cardboard packaging is placed from above onto the articles arranged in the box. In particular, a plurality of articles can be arranged in the box, and by placing a smaller number of upper gripping cardboard packaging than the number of articles present, sub-groups are formed which each combine a part of the articles arranged in the box.

A primary aim of the invention is to provide a method for producing dimensionally stable strapping containers and a container produced in this way.

This aim is achieved with the subjects of the independent claims. Further advantageous refinements are described by the dependent claims.

To achieve the stated aim, the invention proposes a method for producing a container comprising at least two articles. In this method, the articles are first grouped or / or positioned next to one another and then provided with at least one packaging blank with cutouts that correspond to the contours of the article, which is applied to the article and holds them together mechanically. Subsequently, a strapping tape is placed and / or tensioned around the outer surfaces of the articles already equipped with the packaging blank, whereby the articles are strapped and thus fixed to one another. The method according to the invention improves the stability of strapping containers in this way, since the articles held together and combined in the container by means of the packaging blank are additionally provided with strapping and are thus additionally stabilized by holding the articles together not only in their head areas but also on their outer surfaces .

By means of the method according to the invention, in particular, those containers can be produced in which mechanically combined and / or fixed articles of the same type and / or of the same size, in particular identical articles, are combined. Thus, in particular, it can be provided that in the method the articles are initially grouped or / or positioned next to one another in a touching manner and then with at least one, in particular in an upper region, of the articles positioned and the head or neck areas are provided and fixed to each other in such a way. The packaging blank has recesses which correspond to the longitudinal center axes of the articles and can in this way be connected to the articles in a form-fitting manner. Although such a container could already be used, in the method according to the invention, a strapping that runs particularly horizontally around the outer surface of the article is additionally used, which is applied or tensioned around the article at a defined distance from the at least one packaging blank, so that the packaging blank on the finished product Container is arranged at a distance from at least one strapping band, in particular above the strapping band.

The feeding of the articles to be processed for grouping can be designed as a mass transport with lateral guide rails or the like. Optionally, the side guide plate guides can be equipped with rollers and movable tips. However, guide plate guides without rollers can also be useful for processing cans. The articles to be processed can be pushed into individual parallel transport aisles, which are normally upstream of a grouping station, for example. Conical or in parallel transport guidance, with additional vibration units making it easier to push the articles or containers into the aisles.

Optionally, the grouped and / or transported in aisles articles or containers can be separated from one another and thus separated from the mass flow. However, it is also possible to first separate and / or distance the article groups with the packaging blanks already applied from one another or from the respective subsequent article groups. The method can thus include the additional step of distancing the article groups equipped with the packaging blanks, provided that they were previously conveyed in the transport direction without gaps or with smaller gaps and in this configuration - i.e. with small spaces or without spaces - with the packaging blanks.

The articles so designated here can in particular be containers, liquid containers, beverage containers or other objects that can be combined to form a strapping container and provided with additional stabilizing strapping after the packaging blank has been applied. The containers can, for example, be fumigated or non-fumigated liquid containers made of PET or another suitable plastic or also as mineral glass. The containers generally referred to here as articles can be molded bottles of all types or particularly thin-walled containers.

The strapping band or the strapping can in particular consist of a plastic band (e.g. made of PET), a cellulose or paper band or a cardboard band or the like. Composite materials can also be used as straps. As can already be seen from the definition of the method, a strapping in the sense of the present invention can comprise several strapping tapes which, for example, are placed and tensioned around the outer surfaces of the articles or containers at different height levels. Usually the straps are placed horizontally around the outer surfaces of the articles or containers and are stretched, which is by no means mandatory, because the straps can also run diagonally or vertically along the outer surfaces of the articles or containers.

The straps can be used, for example, in known dimensions in reasonable widths between about 3 mm and about 15 mm and in reasonable thicknesses between about 0.2 mm and one millimeter, an exemplary dimensioning a width of the band of 8 mm and a thickness of can provide approx. 0.4 mm.

In the case of plastic straps, the straps can, for example, be welded when producing the strapping. A sensible option for the strapping band can be a pull tab that can be easily gripped by hand in order to open the strapping band by hand and to be able to remove the articles from the container. Paper tapes or cardboard tapes can also be glued, clamped or connected to one another in some other way, whereby a protruding tear tab is also useful here in order to be able to open the tape and, if necessary, remove it from the articles.

A bundle or strapping bundle according to the present invention can comprise at least two combined articles or containers. Typically, however, such a container can also comprise three, four, five, six or more combined articles or containers.

In a variant of the method according to the invention, it can be provided that the packaging blank is fixed to the articles by applying a force or joining / actuating force directed at least partially downwards and / or parallel to a bottom surface of the article forming the container. If the packaging blank is not only intended to rest on the articles or containers by means of a pure form fit, but also, if necessary, with a force fit and / or friction fit with the articles or containers is to be connected, it can be useful to apply the packaging blank with a defined joining or adjusting force on the article or container.

The packaging blank can be formed, for example, by a sheet of cardboard with cutouts, through which cutouts the articles in the finished container protrude. The packaging blank or sheet of cardboard in particular has a two-dimensional extent with a plane which is oriented approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal directions of the articles. In other words, the packaging blank or cardboard sheet has a flat extension with a plane which is oriented approximately parallel to a bottom surface of the article and / or the container. As such a packaging blank, for example, a rectangular cardboard sheet or cardboard sheet that generally corresponds to the outline of the container and has recesses at those points through which the upper section of the article or container should protrude in the finished container. These upper sections can in particular be the head sections or neck sections of the articles or containers. In these head or neck sections, the diameter of the container taper upwards, so that the packaging blank or sheet of cardboard can be placed on and more or less fixed to the containers, possibly with the application of a defined joining force.

The packaging blank can, for example, have finger holes for gripping the container equipped with it.

A typical dimensioning of the cardboard sheet used as a packaging blank can, for example, have a weight per unit area of about 250 to 500 grams per square meter, the weight per unit area typically being between about 350 and 400 grams per square meter. The cardboard sheet of the packaging blank can optionally also have multiple layers, in particular double layers.

Thus, the method can provide that the packaging blank or cardboard sheet engages around the article in a neck section or a head section. As mentioned above, the strapping of standing articles is usually located below the packaging blank.

If the articles are formed by containers, liquid containers or beverage containers, then these can be designed, for example, as PET containers, optionally also as glass containers with walls made of mineral glass. A currently frequently used variant of such containers is formed by a stretch-blown thin-walled container made of PET plastic, the pre-production stage of which can in particular be an injection-molded preform, which is first brought into the desired container shape by means of a stretch blow molding process under a defined temperature effect and usually immediately after the container has been formed with the intended Liquid is filled and labeled in connection with the filling or further transport process. Since these containers are relatively thin-walled and therefore not completely dimensionally stable even when filled, the strapping tension, i.e. the pretension with which the strapping is provided during its application can be set as precisely as possible. If the strapping is too loose with insufficient pre-tensioning, there is a risk of the container becoming unstable and / or falling apart when carried. If the strapping is too tight, the containers can become excessively deformed or even damaged. In addition, with strapping made of paper or cardboard, strapping that is too tight can be mechanically overloaded and fail. Thus, especially when using strapping that is not absolutely tear-resistant, it is important to pay particular attention to the correct strapping tension. However, the fact that the packs are already equipped with the packaging blank and mechanically stabilized before the strapping is applied makes it easier to select the correct strapping tension, especially if this cannot be increased beyond a reasonable limit value due to the material.

In the method according to the invention it can furthermore be provided that the articles are moved in a transport direction before and also during the application of the packaging blank on a transport section of a conveyor device. Since the packaging blanks are usually applied to the grouped articles at a processing station equipped for this purpose of a larger packaging and / or handling machine, depending on the machine layout, it can be useful to stop the transport of the grouped articles for the application of the packaging blank or cardboard sheet to the article so that this application process can take place when the articles are stationary.

However, since it is technically possible without any problems with the appropriate effort to apply the packaging blanks to articles in motion, the method can also provide that the articles are moved in a transport direction during the application of the packaging blank on a transport section of a conveyor device. In this case, the handling device required for feeding and applying the packaging blanks must be able to move the packaging blank at a synchronous speed, at least in the short period of time when the packaging blank is placed on the article and, if necessary, pressed there Transport direction like the articles with the grouped articles.

In addition, it can be provided that the articles are fixed in their positions and / or orientations relative to one another as an article group at least during the application of the packaging blank and during their movement on the transport section of the conveyor device. This method option applies equally to intermittent movements of the grouped articles, i. for standing articles when applying the packaging blank, as well as for continuously conveyed articles, i.e. when the packaging blank is applied to moving articles. In both cases it is equally useful to hold the articles in their positions in order to ensure that the cutouts of the packaging blank also reliably match the contours of the article, that is, that the articles reach through the cutouts of the packaging blank. In the case of articles that are not fixed, there could possibly be disruptions when applying the packaging blank if, for example, an individual article in an article grouping slipped, tilted slightly or even fell over due to the movements of the conveying device or other influences.

In any case, it is useful for the safe implementation of the method according to the invention if the articles or containers before, during or after the strapping process, i.e. before, during or after the application of the at least one strapping band and before the application of the packaging blank or cardboard sheet are positioned and / or aligned with one another in such a way that the longitudinal center axes of the articles or containers are aligned with the recesses of the packaging blank. In order to ensure the positioning of the packaging blank or cardboard sheet and to exclude incorrect positioning, it can be particularly useful to align or position the not yet strapped articles exactly with one another using suitable aids such as temporarily deliverable and / or movable clamping jaws with the conveyor belt or the conveyor device, so that the distances between the articles or containers with the distances between the cutouts and the positions of the articles or containers with one another exactly match the corresponding positions of the cutouts in the packaging blank or cardboard sheet.

If the grouped and equipped with the packaging blank and thus held together articles are not to be provided with the strapping immediately afterwards and in the same transport position, the method according to the invention can also provide that the articles are moved in the transport direction to a strapping station after the packaging blank has been applied, in which the at least one strap is placed and / or tensioned around the outer surface of the article. Since it is easier to manage in terms of production and transport to attach the strapping to a different location than the packaging blanks, the grouped articles provided with the packaging blank are usually transported to a strapping station located downstream in the transport direction in order to carry out the strapping of the grouped articles there.

Here, too, it is possible to select either stationary strapping or strapping that takes place during the transport of the grouped articles held together with the packaging blank. Since it is easier to cope with production technology to stop the article briefly, an option of the method can provide that the article group equipped with the packaging blank is stopped after its transport to the strapping station and is strapped there in a stationary manner and then transported out of the strapping station.

It should be emphasized at this point, however, that both the stationary application of the packaging blank to the grouped articles and the stationary strapping of the articles, which in each case means the at least brief standstill of the articles otherwise transported in the direction of transport, may only be preferred for manufacturing reasons Option is. If, on the other hand, other criteria are to be weighted higher, such as the machine performance or the rapid throughput of the largest possible number of articles and containers per unit of time, it can make sense to accept the higher production costs and to apply the packaging blanks for continuously conveyed article groups and / or to apply the strapping to groups of items that are continuously conveyed and held together with packaging blanks.

A particular advantage of the selected process sequence of the method according to the invention is that the transport of the articles between the application of the packaging blank and the application of the at least one strapping band can take place without a railing and / or without lateral guidance of the article, since the grouped articles by the application of the packaging blank are held together and mechanically fixed to each other and are therefore subject to an extremely low risk in the case of rail-less transport on a horizontal conveyor, on a conveyor belt, a conveyor chain, a link belt, a rubber mat conveyor or the like Conveyor slipping, tilting or otherwise getting out of its upright position. Rail-free transport has several advantages, such as easier and smooth transport, as the articles do not have to slide along side guide rails or guide walls during their transport between the stations. In addition, the rail-free transport of the article reduces or eliminates the risk of undesirable optical impairments on the outer surface of the article, on its labels or printing due to sliding contact with lateral guide rails or guide walls during their transport between the stations.

Due to the stable cohesion of the articles in the container completed by means of the strapping, the method according to the invention also offers the advantage that the transport of the articles after the application of the packaging blank and also after the subsequent attachment of the at least one strapping band in the transport direction downstream of the strapping station without railings and / or can take place without lateral guidance of the article and / or the bundle formed in the strapping station, whereby the same aspects and advantages can be mentioned here as before during transport between the application module for attaching the packaging blanks and the strapping station.

Optionally, it can also be provided that at least individual articles or containers of the article or container group to be strapped or the article / container group before or during or after the application of the strapping and / or before or during or after the application of the packaging blank or cardboard sheet via adhesive connections be fixed to each other. In addition, it can be advantageous if the packaging blank or cardboard sheet is brought into positive and / or non-positive adhesion with the articles or containers of the container and / or is connected to individual articles or to all articles or containers of the container by means of adhesive connections.

Another option of the method can be to attach a handle to the container before or after the strapping has been applied and after the packaging blank or cardboard sheet has been applied, which handle can in particular be anchored to the strapping. Optionally, however, the handle can also be glued to the outer surface of the article or container. In addition, combinations of these anchoring variants are conceivable, such as gluing to the articles or containers with the inclusion of the at least one strapping band and / or with simultaneous anchoring on the at least one strapping band. In addition, variants are also possible in which the handle can be integrated or anchored in the packaging blank or cardboard sheet.

The method according to the invention offers the advantage of a very reliable production of containers that are not only held together with strapping, but that can also be stabilized and kept in shape by means of an applied packaging blank or cardboard sheet. While strapping always involves a compromise between sufficient dimensional stability of the container and minimal deformation of the articles or containers held together with the strapping band, the method according to the invention can provide a container variant in which the container or article is only minimally deformed while there is a tendency to Evasion or slight tilting of the strapped articles or containers can be counteracted by means of the additional packaging blank or cardboard sheet. The containers produced in this way thus have a high degree of dimensional stability and an exact positioning of the articles or containers without the need for an unfavorably high strapping tension.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned aim, the invention further proposes a container forming device for the production of containers, wherein the containers can be produced in particular with a method according to one of the previously described embodiment variants. This bundle formation device comprises at least one conveyor device for feeding individual or grouped articles to an application station for packaging blanks. In addition, the bundle forming device can comprise at least one further conveyor device for conveying and / or transferring bundles produced with the application station or of article groups equipped with the packaging blanks to a strapping station, the application station being prepared, provided and equipped for the application of packaging blanks to the grouped articles , and wherein the strapping station is prepared, provided and equipped for further processing of the grouped articles equipped in this way into strapping containers.

In the case of the container forming device, it can be provided that the conveyor device arranged between the application station for the packaging blanks and the strapping station for transporting the grouped articles equipped with the packaging blanks is designed without a railing and conveys the articles without lateral guidance and / or contact. Since the grouped articles are held together by the attachment of the packaging blank and mechanically are fixed to each other, they are subject to a greatly reduced risk of slipping, tipping or otherwise getting out of their upright positions during railless transport on a horizontal conveyor, on a conveyor belt, a conveyor chain, a link belt, a rubber mat conveyor or similar conveyor. Rail-free transport also has the advantage of facilitated and smooth transport, since the articles do not have to slide along side guide rails or guide walls during their transport between the stations. In addition, the rail-free transport of the article reduces or eliminates the risk of undesirable optical impairments on the outer surface of the article, on its labels or printing due to sliding contact with lateral guide rails or guide walls during their transport between the stations.

Optionally, the bundle forming device can comprise an adhesive module arranged upstream and / or assigned to the strapping station, which is prepared, provided and equipped for the application of adhesive points to article outer surfaces for mutual adhesive adhesion of the articles to one another prior to the application of a strapping around the grouped articles.

In addition, it can be provided that the pack forming device comprises a handle application station arranged downstream of the strapping station for attaching handles to the pack. An optional handle can in particular be attached to the container after the strapping has been attached, in particular by means of the handle application station mentioned.

The bundle forming device thus has a plurality of stations which are in conveying connection with one another, wherein the stations can carry out the method steps described above.

If the highest possible line output is to be achieved, several pack forming devices can be operated in parallel. Different machine layouts are possible here, for example an installation symmetrical to a transport direction, so that central control rooms are created between the adjacent lines. Optionally, the machines can also be set up symmetrically to the transport direction so that the machines are close to each other or back to back and are accessible from opposite long sides.

In general, with all machine variants or with all variants of the container forming device according to the invention, it is useful to carry out container checks at the outlet of the respective machine. In this way and with such a quality control it can be checked, for example, whether or not a packaging blank is present on the respective strapping container and / or whether the strapping is present or not and / or whether the strapping is correctly tensioned or not. If one of the checked criteria does not apply, i.e. If the packaging blank is missing or incorrectly placed or damaged, the relevant container can be ejected. The container can optionally also be ejected if the strapping is missing or has been tightened insufficiently or too tightly. This container control is preferably located either downstream of the strapping module, but can also be built on there or also structurally integrated.

The present invention also comprises a container which comprises at least two articles fixed to one another and / or mechanically held together by means of at least one strapping band running around the outer surfaces of the articles and by means of a packaging blank provided with recesses for the articles, the recesses of the packaging blank corresponding to the longitudinal center axes of the articles . The container can in particular have been produced using a method according to one of the above method variants. In addition, the container can in particular have been produced with a container forming device according to one of the above device variants.

• 1 zeigt eine schematische Ansicht einer Gebindebildungsvorrichtung zur Herstellung von Umreifungsgebinden sowie die Verfahrenschritte zur Bildung von Gebinden aus Artikelgruppierungen.
• 2A zeigt eine schematische Draufsicht einer Verfahrensabfolge bei der Durchführung des Verfahrens zur Bildung von Gebinden aus Artikelgruppierungen.
• 2B zeigt eine schematische Detailansicht, die das Anbringen von Verpackungszuschnitten auf Artikel oder Behälter illustriert.
• 3 zeigt eine perspektivische Ansicht eines beispielhaften Gebindes, wie es mit dem Verfahren bzw. mit der Gebindebildungsvorrichtung gemäß 1 hergestellt werden kann.
• 4 zeigt eine beispielhafte Maschinenkonfiguration der erfindungsgemäßen Gebindebildungsvorrichtung.
• 5 zeigt in einer schematischen Blockdarstellung eine beispielhafte Zusammenstellung der für die Herstellung der Umreifungsgebinde erforderlichen oder einsetzbaren Verarbeitungsstationen mit zugehörigen Materialmagazinen.
• 6 zeigt in insgesamt drei schematischen Draufsichten (6A, 6B und 6C) verschiedene Maschinenkonfigurationen der erfindungsgemäßen Gebindebildungsvorrichtung.

In the following, exemplary embodiments are intended to explain the invention and its advantages in more detail with reference to the accompanying figures. The proportions of the individual elements to one another in the figures do not always correspond to the real proportions, since some forms are simplified and other forms are shown enlarged in relation to other elements for better illustration.

• 1 shows a schematic view of a bundle forming device for the production of strapping bundles and the method steps for forming bundles from article groupings.
• 2A shows a schematic plan view of a process sequence when carrying out the process for the formation of bundles from article groupings.
• 2 B shows a schematic detailed view which illustrates the application of packaging blanks to articles or containers.
• 3 FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of an exemplary container, as it is done with the method or with the container forming device according to FIG 1 can be produced.
• 4th shows an exemplary machine configuration of the container forming device according to the invention.
• 5 shows in a schematic block diagram an exemplary compilation of the processing stations required or usable for the production of the strapping bundles with associated material magazines.
• 6th shows a total of three schematic plan views ( 6A , 6B and 6C ) different machine configurations of the container forming device according to the invention.

Identical reference symbols are used for identical or identically acting elements of the invention. Furthermore, for the sake of clarity, only reference symbols are shown in the individual figures which are necessary for the description of the respective figure. The illustrated embodiments merely represent examples of how the method according to the invention or the container forming device according to the invention can be designed and do not represent a final limitation.

The schematic view of the 1 shows a variant embodiment of a method according to the invention for producing containers 2 each containing several strapped items 4th include, which before the strapping process additionally with a packaging blank 6th be equipped. The process is carried out in a pack forming device 8th carried out in the first a packaging cut 6th on an article group 12 is applied, which in the present example consists of three articles arranged in two parallel rows 4th or containers 14th , ie a total of six articles 4th or containers 14th , is formed. Subsequently, the packaging is cut to size 6th equipped article groups 12 Strapping 10 appropriate. Due to the representation on the side, the 1 at the item group 12 only one of the two series of articles 4th or containers 14th visible. The article group 12 may alternatively comprise a plurality of cans or other (beverage) containers.

For the variant of the container sizes described here, click 2A be referred to that such a 2x3 container 2 in a rectangular arrangement of a total of six articles 4th or container 14th illustrated in a schematic plan view. In the following, when describing the in 1 shown elements and interacting system parts often also on the 2A and 2 B Referenced. While the 2A a schematic plan view of a sequence of process steps in the container production according to 1 shows, clarifies the 2 B in three schematic side views the placement of a packaging blank 6th or cardboard sheet 26th on one of the containers 14th the in the 1 and 2A item or container group shown 12 .

The articles 4th or container 14th are initially in a grouping module 16 in the desired number for the article groups 12 put together and in the direction of transport TR via a suitable transport device 18th , for example an endless conveyor belt 20th , a mat chain conveyor, a roller chain or similar, an application station 22nd for the packaging cuts 22nd fed where appropriate cardboard sheets or cardboard blanks 26th with an at least partially downward force on the articles 4th or container 14th the article group 12 be pushed on.

The feed of the articles to be processed, which cannot be identified here 4th or container 14th to the grouping module 16 can, for example, initially be designed as a mass transport with lateral guide rails or the like. Optionally, the lateral guide plate guides, which are also not visible here, can be equipped with rollers and movable tips. For the processing of cans as container variants, however, guide plate guides without rollers can also be useful. The intrusion of the articles to be processed 4th or container 14th into individual parallel transport aisles, which are usually assigned to the grouping station or the in 1 schematically indicated grouping module 16 are arranged upstream, for example. Conical or in parallel transport guidance, with additional vibration units forcing the articles 4th or container 14th in the alleys. The articles arrive from the parallel alleys 4th or container 14th into the grouping module 16 and become the item group shown there 12 compiled, with the article groups 12 also be spaced from each other to the container 2 to be able to form in the desired manner.

Optionally, a drive control for the transport of the article 4th , Container 14th , Article groups 12 and / or container 2 for a back pressure reduction and thus contribute to a gentle product and an improvement of the processing quality.

With the packaging cut 6th it is preferably an essentially flat cardboard blank 26th or cardboard sheet, which has a number of openings 28 having. The number of openings 28 corresponds to the number of articles 4th or container 14th within the article group 12 , and the arrangement of the passage openings 28 corresponds to the arrangement of the articles 4th or container 14th within the article group 12 . In particular, the passage openings 28 designed such that the packaging blank 6th from on top of the article 4th or container 14th the not yet strapped article group 12 applied, in particular pressed on, can be.

The 2A leaves the packaging cut 6th or cardboard sheet 26th recognize who is the top of the 2x3 item group 12 covers, with the alignment of the container lid with the six openings arranged in a rectangle 28 in the packaging cut 6th or cardboard sheet 26th .

The one with a packaging blank 6th and then with a strap 10 summarized article 4th or container 14th are subsequently also as finished or finished containers 2 designated.

In particular, there is after the application of the packaging blank 6th on the article group 12 a first sub-area 30th the item 4th or container 14th above the packaging blank 6th while there is a second sub-area 32 the item 4th or container 14th , in which also the horizontally running strapping 10 is attached below the packaging blank 6th extends what is also in the 2 B becomes recognizable.

In particular, it is provided that the packaging blank 6th in this position by the article 4th or container is held, while vice versa also the packaging blank 6th the articles 4th or container 14th holds and stabilizes in their position and alignment.

Assign the container 14th for example a screw cap, it can sensibly be provided that the packaging blank 6th after applying to the article group 12 below the so-called neck ring of the closure area of the container 14th is located. Ie the first sub-area 30th includes the screw cap, which is not identified here, and the neck ring of the container, which is also not identified 14th . The passage openings 28 are preferably brought into engagement with the underside of the respective neck ring by means of suitable tabs in such a way that the packaging blank 6th firmly on the containers 14th the article group 12 is fixed and cannot slip upwards.

From the application station 22nd for attaching the packaging blanks 6th or cardboard sheets 26th become the article groups held together and stabilized in this way 12 or containers in the direction of transport TR to a strapping station 24 conveyed on or the strapping station 22nd fed. There are those with the packaging blanks 6th equipped article groups 12 each with horizontally around the article 4th or container 14th tensioned strapping or strapping 10 provided, so that there the mentioned containers 2 or strapping 2 are formed.

The schematic top view of the 2A illustrates the sequence within the strapping station 24 as the strap 10 initially quite loosely around the item group in the horizontal direction 12 is placed and it is not yet curious what is based on the left article group 12 It is clear that is within the strapping station 24 is located. The right article group 12 is already a finished container 2 where the strapping 10 was tensioned and now the articles under a defined tension 4th or container 14th in the container 2 holds together.

The packaging cut 6th can furthermore optionally have at least one essentially centrally arranged and / or designed holding or carrying element 34 exhibit. In the present embodiment, there are two holding or carrying elements 34 intended. This can be, for example, further suitable openings or openings in the packaging blank 6th act through which the user stick his fingers and thus those with the packaging blank 6th summarized article 4th or container 14th can lift and carry together. As an alternative to this or optionally also in addition, a handle (not shown here) can also be attached to the strapping band 10 and / or on the article group 12 be anchored itself, whose handle loop is preferably the container 2 towers above and a handle for carrying the container 2 can form.

The containers completed in this way 2 can after passing through the strapping station 24 be subjected to a control, which means a quality control and / or a check for completeness of the containers to be processed 2 or the article 4th within the controlled container 2 can be meant. The term quality control can mean all conceivable variants of an optical control and / or other control principles with the aid of which, for example, the correct attachment of the packaging blanks 6th on the articles 4th or the correct application of the strapping 10 can be checked with the desired strapping tension etc. This quality control can include, for example, cameras with downstream image evaluation, ultrasonic sensors or other sensors.

The containers 2 can either be palletized either after passing through this control station or - if such a control can be dispensed with - without further control, which in 1 through the processing route A. is marked. It is also conceivable to combine several containers 2 in a so-called tray, these trays each with several containers 2 can then optionally be palletized or otherwise packed, which is in 1 through the processing route B. is marked.

The method according to the invention improves the stability of strapping containers in the manner shown 2 , because the in the container 2 by means of the strapping 10 summarized article 4th or container 14th previously with the packaging cut 6th have been provided and are thus additionally stabilized.

The method described can also provide that the article 4th or container 14th before applying the packaging blank 6th or cardboard sheet 26th positioned and / or aligned in such a way that the longitudinal central axes of the articles 4th or container 14th with the recesses or openings 28 of the packaging cut 6th cursing. About the exact positioning of the packaging blank 6th or cardboard sheet 26th To ensure and exclude incorrect positioning, it can be particularly useful to remove the articles that have not yet been strapped and therefore not yet stabilized in their positions 4th within the application module 22nd to align or position exactly to one another, so that the distances between the articles 4th or container 14th with the distances between the recesses or openings 28 as well as the positions of the articles 4th or container 14th to each other with the corresponding positions of the recesses or passage openings 28 in the packaging cut 6th or cardboard sheet 26th match exactly.

The carriage of the article 4th or container 14th can between the application of the packaging blank 6th or cardboard sheet 26th in the application station 22nd and attaching the strap 10 in the strapping station 24 in particular without railings and without lateral guidance of the article 4th or article groups 12 as the grouped articles 4th or container 14th by attaching the packaging blank 6th are held together and mechanically fixed to one another and are therefore subject to an extremely low risk in the case of rail-less transport on the conveyor 18th , which can be formed by a horizontal conveyor, a conveyor belt, a conveyor chain, a link belt, a rubber mat conveyor or the like conveyor, to tilt or otherwise get out of their upright positions. The rail-free transport has several advantages, such as the easier and smooth transport, since the articles slide along 4th or container 14th on lateral guide rails or guide walls during their transport between the stations 22nd and 24 not applicable. In addition, the article is transported without railings 4th the risk of undesirable optical impairments on the outer surface of the article 4th or containers, reduced or eliminated on their labels or imprints by sliding contact with lateral guide rails or guide walls during their transport between the stations.

In the same way, you can also contact the strapping station 24 subsequent transport of the containers 2 in transport direction TR downstream of the strapping station 24 railless and / or without lateral guidance of the article 4th and / or the one in the strapping station 24 formed containers 2 take place, whereby the same aspects and advantages are to be mentioned here as before with the transport between the application module 22nd for attaching the packaging blanks 6th and the strapping station 24 .

The perspective view of the 3 shows an example of a in the pack forming device 8th according to 1 produced container 2 . The container 2 includes six articles 4th or containers, here in the form of PET bottles 36 each with a screw cap 38 and a neck ring 40 exhibit. The neck ring 40 has a larger cross-section than the neck area of the bottle arranged below it 36 on what is also in the side view of the 2 B is recognizable. The bottles 36 continue to point in a central area of their longitudinal axis L. a taper on that not just as a grip area 42 to make it easier to hold the bottle 36 serves (see also 2 B) but also for positioning the strapping 10 . The strapping or the strapping 10 is useful in this tapered grip area 42 arranged, as this also causes the strapping to slip 10 along the bottles 36 is prevented.

A packaging cut 6th or cardboard cutting 26th is so on the combination of six bottles 36 arranged that the neck ring 40 and the screw cap 42 above the packaging blank 6th are arranged and the first, upper portion 30th form, while the filled bottle part below the packaging blank 6th is arranged and the second, lower portion 32 (cf. also 1 and 2 B) forms. The passage openings 28 of the packaging cut 6th are circular, the diameter of the circle being smaller than the diameter of the neck ring 40 of the bottles 36 . From the passage openings 28 Auxiliary incisions pointing radially outward extend 44 showing the pushing through of the neck ring 40 through the passage openings 28 when pressing the packaging blank 6th on the composition of the bottles 36 enable.

Optionally, it can also be provided that at least individual articles 4th , Container 14th or bottles 36 the article or container group to be strapped 12 or the article / container group 12 before or during or after the strapping is applied 10 and especially after applying the packaging blank 6th or cardboard sheet 26th are fixed to one another via adhesive connections not shown in detail here. It can also be beneficial if the packaging is cut to size 6th or cardboard sheet 26th in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting adhesion with the articles 4th , Containers 14th or bottles 36 of the container 2 brought and / or by means of adhesive connections with individual articles 4th or with all articles 4th or containers 14th of the container 2 is connected.

As mentioned above, another option can be after applying the packaging blank 6th or cardboard sheet 26th and before, during or after applying the strapping 10 instead of the one in the packaging blank 6th provided support element 34 (cf. also 1 ) or in addition to this a handle on the container, not shown here 2 to be attached, in particular to the strapping 10 can be anchored. Optionally, however, the handle can also be connected to the outer surface of the article 4th or container 14th be glued. In addition, combinations of these anchoring variants are conceivable for the carrying handle, which is not shown here, such as gluing with the articles 4th or containers 14th including the at least one strapping band 10 and / or with simultaneous anchoring on at least one strapping band 10 .

The schematic top view of the 4th illustrates an exemplary machine configuration of the pack forming device according to the invention 8th where the articles to be packed 4th or container 14th in the left part of the arrangement shown over an inlet area 46 the transport device 18th to the application station 22nd for the packaging blanks that are not visible here. The articles 4th or containers are standing upright in several rows in a regular arrangement on the transport device 18th conveyed and are no longer conveyed in a disordered mass flow, so they have the articles 4th or container 14th Grouping station that brings into the row-wise conveying arrangement shown (cf. 1 ) may already have been run through.

After going through the application station 22nd are groups of six in a 3x2 arrangement of article groups 12 on their tops with packaging blanks 6th equipped and are in a connecting section 48 the transport device 18th again in the same transport direction TR (in 4th as in 1 from left to right) to the strapping station 24 conveyed where each of the straps around each of the conveyed article groups 12 laid and then applied with a defined strapping tension.

These with packaging blanks 6th equipped article groups 12 were used in the variant of the 4th in the application station 22nd spaced from each other and conveyed in this spaced arrangement in two parallel rows side by side.

The ones from this strapping station 24 to the right in the direction of transport TR conveyed out and on an outlet area 50 conveyed article groups 12 due to their equipment with the packaging blanks 6th as well as the tensioned strapping the finished containers 2 (see. 2A and 3 ) as described several times before.

Furthermore, in 4th one to the run-out area 50 parallel further station recognizable, here by an additional packing station 52 can be formed, which in their transport course for the strapping to be packed 2 optionally parallel to the run-out area 50 can be arranged or otherwise coupled to this. Also a linear arrangement in the direction of transport TR behind the run-out area 50 is possible.

In the arrangement shown, the strapping containers 2 however, on the parallel branch of the packaging station 52 implemented and can be subjected to further packaging steps in a variety of ways. So can the strapping 2 For example, they can be equipped with additional so-called tray or shrink packaging (not shown in greater detail here) or combinations of these tray or shrink packaging. With additional tray packaging, the containers 2 for example individually, in pairs or in several containers 2 placed on a cardboard or plastic base or the like and fed to further packaging steps. With additional shrink packaging, the containers can 2 for example individually, in pairs or in several containers 2 wrapped with a foil and packed in such a way. With a combination of this tray and shrink packaging, the containers standing on a tray are wrapped with the film.

So-called wrap-around packaging is also possible, which can also be combined with the above-mentioned tray and / or shrink packaging. Here the containers 2 or the containers already equipped with trays and / or standing on trays 2 wrapped with additional flat packaging materials such as foils, paper sheets, cardboard sheets or similar material and further packed in such a way.

All of these packaging variants mentioned can be colored with additional aspects or components such as handles, printing Designs or the like can be added, which depends entirely on the wishes of the customer and the desired type of transport, packaging and / or presentation for the articles packed in this way 4th , Container 14th or container 2 directs.

To the packing station 52 a discharge section closes again 54 for the containers provided with additional packaging elements 56 which, for example, can lead to a palletizing station (not shown). This discharge section 54 is again parallel to the run-out area 50 arranged so that the packing station 52 between the run-out area 50 and the discharge section 54 is located. Thus, the further transport direction is also for the containers provided with additional packaging elements 56 parallel to the direction of transport TR the item 4th , Container 14th , Article groups 12 and containers 2 , which is the application station 22nd and the strapping station 24 have gone through.

The arrangement of the packing station 52 between the discharge section 54 and the run-out area 50 it requires that the container 2 for their further packing to the packing station 52 transferred or implemented and from this in turn to the discharge section 54 transferred or implemented, where they are provided as containers with additional packaging elements 56 can be subjected to further handling and / or packaging steps, which is shown in 4th however is no longer shown.

The schematic block diagram of the 5 illustrates the different options for putting together the items for the manufacture of the strapping containers 2 necessary or usable processing stations with the associated material magazines, for example for stocking and feeding the packaging blanks 6th as well as for stocking and feeding the strapping 10 . The product stream can come from the feed area 46 up to the discharge section 54 largely linear within the packaging machine or pack forming device 8th done as this is done by the 5 is indicated. The discharge section 54 can turn in a linear sequence in the transport direction TR the containers provided with additional packaging elements 56 (see. 4th ) a palletizing station 58 or another station for handling the containers 56 be subordinate.

The schematic block diagram of the 5 However, it should be understood more as a functional model than as an example of the actual structural arrangement of the machine 8th contained modules, because the modules connected to each other as rectangular boxes and with arrows should only be made clear in their operative relationships, without the illustrated arrangement having a connection with the actual installation of the modules within the machine 8th must have. Examples of such an actual installation of the modules within the machine 8th are, however, in the schematic plan views of 6A to 6C clarified.

Inside the machine 8th the articles or containers to be handled and processed are created using the grouping module 16 first brought into an arrangement that enables the packaging blanks to be applied to the upper sides of the article groups. An optional handling module that can be seen here 60 can, if necessary, ensure that the article groups are placed in intermediate containers, in suitable secondary packaging, for example in beverage crates or in cardboard packaging or the like that are open at the top. The optional handling module 60 however, it does not necessarily have to be present, but can also be omitted, as in the exemplary embodiment according to FIG 1 and 4th actually is the case.

The packaging blanks are made within the application module 22nd normally applied to moving groups of items, which is referred to here as "continuous application" of the packaging blanks while the strapping is within the strapping station 24 normally applied to groups of items that have been stopped at least for a short time, which is referred to here as "stationary strapping".

In a first magazine 62 For the packaging blanks or cardboard sheets, a large number of these equipment elements, which must be constantly updated, can be stored for the containers to be produced. The first magazine 62 is in conveying and supply connection with the application module 22nd , in which the article groups are equipped with the packaging blanks or cardboard sheets (cf. 1 and 4th ).

In a second magazine 64 for the straps, the straps can already be cut to length, but usually on rolls with them wound on and in the strapping station 24 Suitable strapping to be cut to length for the container to be produced are stored. The second magazine 64 is in conveying and supply connection with the strapping station 24 , in which the article groups are equipped with the strapping (cf. 1 and 4th ).

The strapping station 24 can use the above-mentioned optional packing station in the further conveying sequence 52 downstream, where the mentioned further packaging of the strapped containers with trays, with shrink packaging, etc. can take place, if this is desired. The optional packing station 52 or - if this is in the pack forming device 8th does not exist - the strapping station 24 is then the discharge section in the conveying direction 54 downstream, to which the already outside the machine 8th located or no longer directly on the machine 8th associated palletizing station 58 can connect.

The 6A to 6C each show, in schematic top views, examples of arrangements and setups of the interacting modules and stations within the machine 8th or the pack forming device 8th .

The 6A illustrates the modules of the container forming device that are conveyed to one another 8th in the transport direction TR are arranged one behind the other, starting on the left-hand side with the inlet area 46 , which comprises the article feed or container feed, where the articles or containers (not shown) are first transported in a mass flow and transferred to a regular line transport in order to form the desired article groups that are within the transport direction TR to the right downstream application module 22nd the packaging blanks are applied. The application module 22nd is at least one first magazine in close proximity and / or structurally integrated there 62 assigned for the packaging blanks. The 6A indicates that two applicators connected in series are next to each other within the application module 22nd so that with two article groups transported in parallel there can be a total of four applicators working in parallel and largely simultaneously, which can enable correspondingly higher throughput rates when applying the packaging blanks to the article groups. Possibly. can therefore also use several magazines 62 be provided for packaging blanks.

To the application module 22nd the strapping station closes again 24 at. The strapping station 24 If there is at least one second magazine in close proximity and / or structurally integrated there 64 assigned for the strapping. The 6A indicates that two strapping applicators connected in series are located next to each other within the application module 22nd so that with two article groups transported in parallel, there can be optionally two or possibly a total of four strapping applicators working in parallel and largely simultaneously, which can enable correspondingly higher throughput rates when applying the strapping to the article groups already equipped with packaging blanks. The 6A leaves a total of two magazines 64 recognize on which the straps can be wound in rolls.

The strapping station 24 is in the direction of transport TR an inspection station, which can be understood as an option, but is very useful in practice 66 downstream, which can be responsible for quality control and / or checking the completeness of all equipment features.

The ones from the 6A overall length to be taken as an example GL the one in the machine 8th modules arranged one behind the other 46 (Inlet area), 22nd (Application module) and 24 (Strapping station) can without the inspection station 66 for example between fifteen and over twenty meters, while a typical overall width B. the machine 8th including the relatively wide magazine 62 and 64 can be between about five meters and usually less than ten meters. The individual modules can therefore be roughly from the 6A have to be taken length portions and width portions.

Since it can make sense to operate several such systems in parallel in order to achieve high machine and line performance, they show 6B and 6C two different variants of the installation of two parallel pack forming devices 8th which are roughly the same as in 6A shown variant of the machine 8th correspond.

The 6B shows a first variant in which the two machines 8th with its machine parts, magazines, etc. that remain accessible to maintenance personnel, one between the long sides of the two machines 8th accessible central open space 68 form.

The 6C shows, however, an alternative variant in which the two machines 8th stand with their long sides back to back so that there are two separate side entrances 70 with the machine parts, magazines, etc. accessible to maintenance personnel on the opposite long sides of the two machines 8th surrender.

The following is given as a supplement to the above statements. Even if “schematic” representations and views are generally used in connection with the embodiment variants shown in the figures and their above descriptions, this does not mean that the figure representations and their description are of subordinate importance with regard to the disclosure of the invention. The person skilled in the art is quite capable of inferring enough information from the schematically and abstractly drawn representations that make it easier for him to understand the invention without his understanding being impaired in any way from the drawn and possibly not exactly to scale proportions of parts of the devices, their details or other drawn elements. Rather, the figures enable the person skilled in the art as a reader to use the more specifically explained implementations of the method according to the invention and the more specifically explained structure of the container forming device according to the invention and its individual components to better understand the inventive ideas formulated in the claims and in the general part of the description of general and / or abstract formulated derive.

The invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment. However, it is conceivable for a person skilled in the art that modifications or changes can be made to the invention without departing from the scope of protection of the following claims.

List of reference symbols

2

Container, strapping container

4th

items

6

Packaging cut

8th

Bundle forming device, packaging machine, machine

10

Strapping, strapping

12

Article group, container group

14th

Containers, beverage containers

16

Grouping module

18th

Transport device, conveyor device

20th

Endless conveyor belt

22nd

Application station, application station for packaging blanks

24

Strapping station

26th

Cardboard sheet, cardboard blank

28

Passage opening, recess

30th

upper part, first part

32

lower section, second section

34

Support element, holding element

36

Bottle, PET bottle

38

Screw cap, head section

40

Neck ring, neck section

42

Grip area

44

Auxiliary incision

46

Inlet area

48

Connection section

50

Run-out area

52

Packing station

54

Discharge section

56

packaged containers, containers with additional packaging elements

58

Palletizing station

60

Handling module

62

first magazine (for packaging blanks)

64

second magazine (for strapping)

66

Inspection station

68

Free space, central free space

70

lateral access

A.

Processing route (palletizing)

B.

Processing method (tray, tray packaging)

GB

Total length (of the machine, the packaging machine, the pack forming device)

GL

Total width (of the machine, the packaging machine, the container forming device)

L.

Longitudinal axis, longitudinal central axis

TR

Transport direction

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant was 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.

Patent literature cited

• EP 1075419 B1 [0005]

Claims (20)

Method for the production of a container (2) comprising at least two articles (4), in which the articles (4) are initially grouped or / or positioned next to one another and then with a packaging blank (6) with recesses (28) which have longitudinal central axes (L) the article (4) correspond, equipped and mechanically held together, after which at least one strapping band (10) is placed and / or tensioned around the outer surface of the article (4), with which the articles (4) are strapped and fixed to one another. Procedure according to Claim 1 , in which the articles (4) are moved in a transport direction (TR) on a transport section of a conveyor device prior to and during the application of the packaging blank (6). Procedure according to Claim 1 or 2 in which the articles (4) are fixed in their positions and / or orientations relative to one another as an article group (12) at least during the application of the packaging blank (6) and during their movement on the transport section of the conveyor device. Method according to one of the Claims 1 to 3 , in which the packaging blank (6) is formed by a cardboard sheet (26) with cutouts (28) through which cutouts (28) the articles (4) protrude. Procedure according to Claim 3 or 4th , in which the articles (4) before and / or during the application of the packaging blank (6) are positioned and / or aligned with one another in such a way that the longitudinal center axes (L) of the articles (4) with recesses (28) of the packaging blank ( 6) align. Method according to one of the Claims 1 to 5 , in which the articles (4) after the application of the packaging blank (6) are moved in the transport direction (TR) to a strapping station (24) in which the at least one strapping band (10) is placed around the outer surfaces of the articles (4) and / or is stretched. Procedure according to Claim 6 , in which the article group (12) equipped with the packaging blank (6) is stopped after its transport to the strapping station (24) and strapped there in a stationary manner and then conveyed out of the strapping station (24). Procedure according to Claim 6 or 7th , in which the article (4) is transported between the application of the packaging blank (6) and the application of the at least one strapping band (10) without a railing and / or without lateral guidance of the article (4). Method according to one of the Claims 6 to 8th , in which the transport of the articles (4) after the application of the packaging blank (6) and the subsequent attachment of the at least one strapping band (10) in the transport direction (TR) downstream of the strapping station (24) without a railing and / or without lateral guidance of the articles ( 4) and / or the bundle (2) formed in the strapping station (24). Method according to one of the Claims 1 to 9 in which the packaging blank (6) is fixed on the articles (4) by applying a force which is at least partially parallel to a bottom surface of the articles (4) forming the container (2). Method according to one of the Claims 1 to 10 , in which the packaging blank (6) or cardboard sheet (26) engages around the article (4) in a neck section (40) or a head section (38). Method according to one of the Claims 1 to 11 , in which at least individual articles (4) of the article group (12) to be strapped or the article group (12) before or during or after the application of the strapping (10) and / or before or during or after the application of the packaging blank (6) Adhesive connections are fixed to one another. Method according to one of the Claims 1 to 12 , in which the packaging blank (6) is brought into positive and / or non-positive adhesion with the articles (4) of the container (2) and / or by means of adhesive connections with individual articles (4) or with all articles (4) of the container (2 ) is connected. Container forming device (8) for the production of containers (2), which are in particular produced using a method according to one of the Claims 1 to 13 which container forming device (8) has a conveyor (18) for feeding individual or grouped articles (4) to an application station (22) for packaging blanks (6) and another conveyor (18) for conveying and / or relocating with the application station (22) to a strapping station (24), wherein the application station (22) is prepared, provided and equipped for applying packaging blanks (6) to the grouped articles (4), and the strapping station (24 ) is prepared, provided and equipped for further processing the grouped articles (4) equipped in this way into strapping containers (2). Container forming device according to Claim 14 in which the conveyor device (18) arranged between the application station (22) for the packaging blanks (6) and the strapping station (24) for transporting the grouped articles (4) equipped with the packaging blanks (6) is designed without a railing and the articles ( 4) promotes without lateral guidance and / or contact. Container forming device according to Claim 14 or 15th which comprises an adhesive module arranged upstream and / or assigned to the strapping station (24), which prepares for the application of adhesive points to the outer surfaces of the article for mutual adhesive adhesion of the articles (4) to one another prior to the application of a strapping (10) around the grouped articles (4) , provided and equipped. Container forming device according to one of the Claims 14 to 16 which comprises a handle application station downstream of the strapping station (24) for attaching handles to the container (2). Container (2) that contains at least two articles fixed to one another and / or mechanically held together by means of at least one strapping band (10) running around the outer surfaces of articles (4) and by means of a packaging blank (6) provided with recesses (28) for the articles (4) (4), the recesses (28) of the packaging blank (6) corresponding to the longitudinal center axes (L) of the articles (4). Container after Claim 18 , which with a method according to one of Claims 1 to 13 was produced. Container after Claim 18 or 19th , which with a container forming device (8) according to one of the Claims 14 to 17th was produced.

Images