DE102019113180A1 - Packaging device for article groups and method for applying a packaging blank to article groups - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a packaging device (1) for article groups (4) and a method for applying a packaging blank (13) to article groups (4), an article group (4) each comprising at least two articles (2). The packaging device (1) comprises at least one feeding transport device (5) for articles (2) or article groups (4) and a handling device (7) for the article groups (4). The handling device (7) has at least one manipulation device (9) for capturing at least one article group (4), the manipulation device (9) for moving the captured article group (4) into a target position and / or target arrangement within the handling device (7) is trained. The manipulation device (9) comprises at least one tool (20) for fixing a packaging blank (13) to the article (2) of the article group (4) or the manipulation device (9) is at least one tool (20) for fixing a packaging blank (13) assigned to the articles (2) of the article group (4).

Description

The present invention relates to a packaging device for article groups and a method for applying a packaging blank to article groups according to the features of the independent claims.

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. Here, too, there are various known ways of combining individual items 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 1075419 B1 described. Here, the articles are arranged in a box and the cardboard packaging is placed from above onto the at least one article arranged in the box. In particular, a plurality of articles are arranged in the box, and sub-groups are formed by placing a smaller number of upper gripping cardboard packaging on top, each of which combines a part of the articles arranged in the box.

The object of the invention is to increase the throughput when combining articles by means of a packaging means, in particular a so-called upper cardboard box, and the arrangement of the article groups combined with the packaging means.

The above object is achieved by a packaging device for article groups and a method for applying a packaging blank to article groups, which include the features in the independent patent claims. Further advantageous refinements are described by the subclaims.

The packaging device for combining at least two articles in an article group by applying at least one packaging blank comprises a feeding transport device for articles or article groups and a handling device for the article groups. Such a packaging blank is, for example, essentially flat and has openings which are designed in such a way that they are turned over onto the article from above, so that after the packaging blank has been attached to at least one article or to a group comprising at least two Articles are partially above and partially below the packaging blank. In particular, the openings of the packaging blank have fixing devices, for example fixing tabs or the like, which are in engagement with the articles in such a way that the packaging blank is essentially fixed in place on the articles. Thus, the packaging blank can only be removed from the article or articles again with an increased expenditure of force with an upwardly directed force component, the packaging blank generally being at least partially destroyed. Such packaging blanks are also referred to as top cardboard packaging. The articles to be combined with the packaging blank are, for example, beverage containers in the form of bottles, PET bottles, cans or the like.

According to one embodiment, the articles are in a grouping module or the like. as a group comprising two or more articles in a suitable arrangement and / or combination and fed to the handling device. Alternatively, the articles can be fed in in an orderly mass flow, for example in adjacent parallel rows in which the articles are arranged transversely to the transport direction in alignment or offset to one another. In this case, the separation of article groups takes place within the handling device. It is also conceivable to form the article groups as they enter the handling device, for example by briefly stopping the transport device feeding the articles. When articles are supplied in a mass flow or in article groups, the articles being offset from one another transversely to the transport direction, the formation of so-called nested containers is subsequently possible, which represent a particularly stable arrangement of the articles, since the articles are usually shifted against one another during nested arrangement is no longer possible. This applies in particular to articles with a circular cross-section, for example bottles or cans which are cylindrical at least in sections.

The handling device can be, for example, a layer formation module within which a palletizable layer is formed from a plurality of article groups in which at least two articles are combined with the packaging blank, which is subsequently transferred to a pallet, for example. Alternatively, the handling device can also be a turning and / or distribution system in which the article groups equipped with a packaging blank are divided into a defined number of discharge transport devices and fed to further processing.

The handling device has at least one manipulation device for grasping the articles forming an article group. The manipulation device is designed to move the captured article group into a target position and / or target arrangement within the handling device and comprises at least one tool for setting a packaging blank on the article of the article group or, alternatively, the manipulation device is at least one tool for setting a packaging blank on the articles of the Assigned to article group. In particular, the articles of an article group are recorded jointly within the handling device and brought into a target position and / or target arrangement.

According to a first embodiment, the packaging blank to be determined on the articles of the article group is placed on the articles or article groups during the feeding process and in connection with the detection of the article group or in connection with the movement of the article group into the target position and / or target arrangement within the handling device the articles of the article group.

According to a second embodiment, the packaging blank within the handling device is placed on the article group before the article group is detected and in connection with the detection of the article group or in connection with the movement of the article group into the target position and / or target arrangement within the handling device on the articles of the article group set.

According to a third embodiment, the packaging blank is placed on the article group when the article group is detected within the handling device and on the articles of the article group in connection with the detection of the article group or in connection with the movement of the article group into the target position and / or target arrangement within the handling device set.

The at least one manipulation device is preferably formed by a robot or a tripod (parallel kinematic robot) with at least one gripping device for the article group. It can be provided that the gripping device comprises the tool for fixing the packaging blank on the article of the article group or that the tool for fixing a packaging blank on the article of the article group is assigned to the gripping device. The tool can be a pressing device with which a downward force can be applied to the packaging blank, for example by lowering the pressing device.

Alternatively, the tool can comprise a suction device, for example a vacuum suction device. With the suction device, in particular, a packaging blank can be detected in order to place it on the articles in connection with the detection of the article group by the manipulation device and then to fix it to the articles of the article group. Furthermore, the handling device can be assigned a first magazine for packaging blanks and / or the manipulation device can be assigned a second magazine for packaging blanks in order to enable quick access to the packaging blanks and in particular to minimize the distances to be covered by the manipulation device. For this it can be advantageous to use the second magazine for a to provide a certain number of packaging blanks directly on the manipulation device and movable together with it. As soon as there are no more packaging blanks in the second magazine, the manipulation device fetches new packaging blanks from the first magazine by removing packaging blanks from the first magazine and placing them in the second magazine on the manipulation device.

To carry out the different movements of the manipulation device, in particular the gripping movement to grasp the group of items, a linear movement and / or a rotary movement to bring the group of items into the target position and / or target arrangement and / or the actuation of the tool for setting the packaging blank, the manipulation device, in particular the tripod, have a plurality of shafts via which the respective movement is realized.

Another embodiment can provide that the articles of the article group to be equipped with a packaging blank are combined with a first packaging means or connecting means before or during the delivery to the handling device. For example, the articles can be held together by at least one band-like or strip-like, closed strapping stretched horizontally around an outside of the article. These straps are preferably placed around the article and then fixed. An inside of the strapping lying on the outside of the article can, if necessary, be firmly fixed at a contact point with one of the articles. The strapping can thus be fixed at the contact point in particular by means of a material connection in the form of at least one welded connection. Such a connection means that the articles can no longer be shifted in the container thus created, so that a defined package arrangement is maintained. Alternatively, provision can be made for the articles to be fixed to one another by means of an adhesive connection, for example via suitably placed adhesive points at contact points between two articles. The adhesive dots are preferably already attached when the articles are put together into article groups. A further alternative embodiment can provide that several articles are arranged on a so-called tray and then all articles arranged on a tray are additionally equipped with a packaging blank as described above.

Furthermore, it can be provided that a handle is attached to the article group equipped with the packaging blank, which is also referred to as a container. For example, this is a strip-shaped handle that is glued to the respective articles on opposite outer sides of the container. The carrying handle is applied, for example, with a handle applicator arranged downstream of the handling device.

It should be expressly mentioned at this point that all aspects and design variants that have been explained in connection with the device according to the invention relate to or can be partial aspects of the method according to the invention. If, therefore, at one point in the description or in the definition of claims for the device according to the invention, certain aspects and / or connections and / or effects are mentioned, this applies equally to the method according to the invention. The same applies in reverse, so that all aspects and design variants that have been explained in connection with the method according to the invention relate to or can be partial aspects of the device according to the invention. If, therefore, at one point in the description or in the definition of claims for the method according to the invention, certain aspects and / or relationships and / or effects are mentioned, this applies equally to the device according to the invention.

• 1 zeigt eine erste Ausführungsform einer Verpackungsvorrichtung.
• 2 zeigt eine zweite Ausführungsform einer Verpackungsvorrichtung.
• 3 zeigt eine dritte Ausführungsform einer Verpackungsvorrichtung.
• 4 zeigt eine vierte Ausführungsform einer Verpackungsvorrichtung.
• 5 zeigt eine fünfte Ausführungsform einer Verpackungsvorrichtung.
• 6 zeigt eine Ausführungsform eines Verpackungszuschnitts für Artikel in einer nested Anordnung.
• 7 bis 9 zeigen verschiedene Ansichten eines Manipulators einer V erpacku ng svorrichtu ng.
• 10 zeigt eine weitere Ausführungsform eines Manipulators einer Verpackungsvorrichtung.

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 first embodiment of a packaging device.
• 2 shows a second embodiment of a packaging device.
• 3 shows a third embodiment of a packaging device.
• 4th shows a fourth embodiment of a packaging device.
• 5 shows a fifth embodiment of a packaging device.
• 6th Figure 3 shows an embodiment of a packaging blank for articles in a nested arrangement.
• 7th to 9 show different views of a manipulator of a packaging device.
• 10 shows a further embodiment of a manipulator of a packaging device.

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 device according to the invention or the method according to the invention can be designed and do not represent a final limitation.

The 1 and 2 show different embodiments of a packaging device 1 for applying a packaging blank 13 on at least two articles 2 comprehensive article group 4th . According to the in 1 illustrated embodiment are articles 2 , for example bottles 3 , Cans or other (beverage) containers, in a grouping module 16 in the desired number for article groups 4th put together and via a suitable first transport device 5 , for example a first endless conveyor belt 6th , a mat chain conveyor, a roller chain or similar, the handling device 7th fed. In contrast, in the embodiment according to 2 the articles 2 in adjacent parallel rows of the handling device 7th fed. With the handling device 7th it is a layer formation module or layer preparation module 8th , alternatively the article groups 4th also a turning and / or distribution system or similar. are fed.

In the illustrated embodiment is according to 1 provided that between the formation of the article groups 4th in the grouping module 16 and handling the item group 4th within the handling device 7th in a first step on the article 2 the article group 4th a packaging blank from above 13 is placed. In the embodiment according to 2 is based on two articles each 2 each of the three parallel rows a packaging blank 13 launched, making a total of six articles 2 of the three rows through the packaging blank 13 at least partially covered.

With the packaging cut 13 it is preferably an essentially flat cardboard blank 17th that has a number of through openings 18th having. The number of openings 18th corresponds to the number of articles 2 within the article group 4th and the arrangement of the passage openings 18th corresponds to the arrangement of the articles 2 within the article group 4th . In particular, the passage openings 18th designed such that the packaging blank 13 from the top of the article 2 applied, in particular pressed on, can be. In particular, there is after the application of the packaging blank 13 on the article group 4th part of the article 2 above the packaging blank 13 while the rest of the range of articles 2 below the packaging blank 13 extends. In particular, it is provided that the packaging blank 13 in this position by the article 2 is held and vice versa.

Is it the article 2 for example PET bottles 3 with a screw cap, it is provided that the packaging blank 13 after applying to the article group 4th below the so-called neck ring 22nd the closure area of the bottles 3 is located. The passage openings 18th are preferably by means of suitable tabs in such a way with the underside of the respective neck ring 22nd engaged that the packaging blank 13 firmly on the articles 2 the article group 4th is fixed and cannot slip upwards. It can also be provided that the article 2 within the article group 4th are already combined with a first packaging means. For example, the articles 2 with a strip-shaped strapping or by suitable adhesive connections between the articles 2 be fixed to each other. This has the particular advantage that the article 2 within the article group 4th cannot move against each other and are therefore fixed in their position relative to each other.

The packaging cut 13 can furthermore include at least one essentially centrally arranged and / or designed holding or carrying element 19th exhibit. This can be, for example, another suitable opening through which the user sticks his fingers and thus the one with the packaging blank 13 summarized article 2 can lift and carry together.

When a target position and / or target orientation is mentioned in connection with the present invention, this can mean in particular that the article groups 4th can be recorded, moved and / or rotated, whereby the article groups 4th optionally only shifted (without rotation) or only rotated (without shifting movement). Furthermore, there is a relative target position and / or target orientation with respect to subsequent articles 2 or article groups 4th spoken, provided the article groups 4th after moving into the target position and / or target alignment via a suitable conveyor of the handling device 7th be transported further in a transport direction TR, in particular at the same transport speed and in the same transport direction TR as the articles supplied 2 or article groups 4th ..

In the illustrated embodiment, the packaging blank 13 when transporting the Article groups 4th to the handling device 7th loose on the article group 4th placed and only then within the handling device 7th on the articles 2 the article group 4th set. In particular, it is provided that the article group 4th within the handling device 7th is detected and brought into a target position and / or target arrangement. The packaging cut 13 is in this context by means of the handling device prepared for manipulation 7th on the articles 2 the article group 4th set. Determining the packaging layout 13 on the articles 2 takes place either in connection with the entry of the article group 4th within the handling device 7th or in connection with moving the item group 4th into a defined relative target position and / or target arrangement. It is preferably provided that the handling device 7th at least one manipulation device or a manipulator 9 to record at least one article group 4th having. The manipulator 9 is for example by a tripod 10 formed and comprises at least one gripping device 21st for the article group 4th and at least one tool 20th to determine the packaging layout 13 on the articles 2 the article group 4th . In particular, the tool is 20th as a pressing device 25th designed, for example as a pressure stamp or the like, with which the packaging blank 13 on the article 2 can be pushed so that the article 2 in some areas through the passage openings 18th of the packaging cut 13 step through.

The article groups 4th with the specified packaging cut 13 are also available as ready-made containers 14th designated. These are calculated according to the 1 and 2 illustrated embodiments within the handling device 7th by the manipulator 9 in such a way arranged in respectively suitable target positions and / or target arrangements that a plurality of finished containers 14th a palletizable layer 15th trains. The palletable position 15th is via a second transport device 11 , for example another endless conveyor belt 12 , for further processing, for example palletizing or the like.

The 3 shows a third embodiment of a packaging device 1 . Here are the articles 2 again in article groups 4th the handling device 7th fed. In this case it is provided that the packaging blanks 13 within the handling device 7th on the article groups 4th are applied and attached to these. According to a first variant it is provided that the packaging blank 13 within the handling device 7th before entering the article group 4th on the article group 4th and in connection with the entry of the article group 4th on the articles 2 the article group 4th is determined. Ie the packaging cut 13 is preferred before entering the item group 4th by means of a suitable storage device (not shown) on the article 2 and when entering the article group 4th by the manipulator 9 by an assigned tool 20th pressed on. Alternatively, the packaging blank 13 before entering the article group 4th on the article group 4th and in connection with bringing the item group 4th into the target position and / or target arrangement by an assigned tool 20th of the manipulator 9 on the articles 2 the article group 4th be determined. The packaging blanks 13 are, for example, one of the handling devices through the storage device (not shown) 7th assigned first magazine 23 taken.

Another variant can provide that the packaging blank 13 preferably when entering the article group 4th on the article 2 is placed and pressed on, wherein the pressing can take place essentially directly with the placing or the pressing subsequently in time, for example only in connection with the movement of the group of articles 4th can take place in the target position and / or target arrangement. The manipulator preferably has 9 in this variant an assigned second magazine 24 in which a certain number of packaging blanks 13 can be cached. That second magazine 24 is on the manipulator 9 arranged and is carried with it. This means that a certain number of packaging cuts are required 13 each available on site. When the second magazine 24 is empty, the manipulator must 9 further packaging cuts 13 from the first magazine 23 fetch and in the second magazine 24 cache.

The 4th shows a fourth embodiment of a packaging device 1 . Here are the articles 2 the handling device 7th in two double rows 28 via two first transport facilities 5-1 , 5-2 fed. With the handling device 7th it is a distribution facility 27 that the in two double rows 28 supplied article 2 on three outgoing second transport facilities 11-1 , 11-2 , 11-3 divides. During the feeding of the articles 2 to the distribution device 27 are each packaging blanks 13 hung up. Every packaging cut 13 is designed in such a way that with this four articles 2 every double row 28 be summarized. The gripping device 21st the distribution facility 27 is designed in such a way that it contains a total of twelve articles 2 with three packaging blanks on top 13 detected and in a target position in alignment with one of the discharging second transport devices 11-1 , 11-2 or 11-3 spends. As in connection with the 1 and 2 the packaging blanks are described 13 within the handling device 7th in the Connection with the entry of the articles 2 or in connection with bringing the articles 2 set in the target position at this. Also in connection with a distribution system 27 it can alternatively be provided that the packaging blanks 13 only within the distribution system 27 on the article 2 be applied.

The 5 shows a fifth embodiment of a packaging device 1 . This is analogous to the embodiment of 3 the packaging blanks 13 only within the handling device 7th on the article 2 hung up. 5 in particular is intended to represent that the article 2 that are stored in the ordered mass flow or as article groups (in 5 not shown), can also have a so-called nested arrangement. In this case, a packaging blank is used 13 used, the passage openings 18th in a corresponding nested arrangement.

The 6th shows an embodiment of a packaging blank 13 , the one for the formation of a container 14th with articles 2 in a nested arrangement is suitable. For a better understanding, the articles are 2 below the packaging blank 13 in the 5 and 6th shown in dashed lines.

The 7th to 9 show different views of a possible embodiment of a manipulator 9 . This is a delta kinematics robot 30th holding a gripping device 21st includes and for gripping, rotating and relocating groups of items 4th is trained. The manipulator 9 has an upper suspension 31 , on the three adjusting arms 32 via a respective assigned drive 33 are rotatably attached. The rotating movement of the actuating arms 32 takes place here in such a way that their axes of rotation run parallel to one another. There are also three positioning arms 32 of at least two arm sections pivotable relative to one another 34 and 36 , with the lower arm sections 35 are each formed from two rods oriented parallel to one another. The respective upper arm section 37 stands with its respectively assigned drive 33 in connection, for example, is the respective upper arm section 37 on its respectively assigned drive 33 flanged. In addition, the three positioning arms 32 can be moved independently of each other. All drives 33 are connected to a control unit (not shown) that controls the movement of the actuating arms 32 pretends and the drives 33 drives.

At the lower end of the three adjusting arms 45 there is a gripping device 21st with the three adjustable arms 32 so connected that the gripping device 21st by moving the three adjusting arms 32 for handling article groups 4th can be proceeded. The control unit, not shown, therefore provides the movement of the actuating arms 32 depending on one for the gripping device 21st intended position for gripping and handling groups of items 4th in front. All of the three adjusting arms 32 are over a support ring 38 with the gripping device 21st mechanically coupled. The mechanical connection or coupling between the support ring 38 and the gripping device 21st is such that this is a relative rotation of the gripping device 21st opposite the support ring 38 allowed. The support ring 38 can also be used as the tool center point of the manipulator 9 are designated.

The manipulator points approximately in the middle 9 a linear guide 39 on. In particular, the gripping device 21st non-rotatably on the linear guide 39 flanged, the linear guide 39 as the first wave 40 is formed and thus the gripping device 21st about the first wave 40 can be rotated.

Furthermore, an actuating device designed as a second shaft (not visible) is provided within the first shaft, by means of which two opposing clamping jaws 41 the gripping device 21st can be controlled for closing and opening. The axes of rotation of the first shaft 40 as well as the second wave 5 trained actuating device are identical. The first wave 40 and the second shaft are oriented or arranged coaxially with one another. Since the gripping device via the actuating device designed as a second shaft 21st or the opposing clamping jaws 41 the gripping device 21st can be controlled, no pneumatic, hydraulic or electrical line connections are necessary for control.

There is advantageously the possibility of using the gripping device 21st along with its jaws 41 about the first wave 40 to rotate more than 360 °, as there are no pipe connections to prevent a complete rotation. As a result, compared to devices known from the prior art, the throughput when handling articles 2 can be significantly improved as the gripping device 21st does not have to be turned back in order to convert this into an initial orientation.

The two jaws 41 can be adjusted relative to one another or moved towards one another and moved away from one another by rotating the actuating device designed as a second shaft. In particular, at least one toothed belt drive is required for this 42 intended.

There is also at least a third wave 43 , a pneumatic drive or the like is provided in order to use the tool for setting the packaging blank (in 7th to 9 not shown).

The 10 shows a further embodiment of a manipulator 9 , which, for example, also by a tripod 10 and / or delta kinematics robots 30th can be formed. This has a gripping device 21st comprising two jaws 41 for detecting the respectively supplied articles of the article group (not shown). Furthermore, the support ring 38 shown, while the actuating arms arranged thereon have been omitted from the illustration. A first wave 40 is about a strap 45 with the rotatably suspended gripping device 21st connected. About this driven first shaft 40 a rotation of the recorded article group into a new target arrangement can thus be realized.

A second wave 48 is about timing belt 51 with the jaws 41 the gripping device 21st coupled. About the second wave 48 and the timing belt 51 becomes the movement of the jaws 41 toward each other to capture the article or away from each other to release the article. The second wave 48 is especially hollow on the inside. Through the second wave 48 a vacuum hose runs 49 to one as a vacuum suction device 46 or suction cup 47 trained tool 20th to determine a packaging cut for the articles. The second wave 48 or at least the one on the second shaft 48 arranged vacuum suction cups 46 is particularly designed to be movable in height. In particular, the vacuum suction device 46 first a packaging blank is taken from a suitable supply, the second shaft 48 and / or the vacuum suction device 46 can be lowered accordingly and sucks the packaging blank. As soon as the packaging blank on the vacuum suction device 46 is set, it is pulled up again so that the packaging blank is preferably aligned centrally between the two clamping jaws 41 the gripping device 21st is arranged. The gripping device then detects 21st between the jaws 41 an article group.

As soon as the article group is detected or when it is brought into the target position and / or target arrangement, the packaging blank is placed on the articles and fixed by a valve 50 between the vacuum hose 50 and the vacuum suction device 46 is closed so that the vacuum on the vacuum cup 46 is dismantled and the packaging blank is no longer held. By an additional movement of the vacuum suction cup 46 Comprehensive assembly group, the packaging blank is pressed onto the article and thus fixed to the article group. The placing of the packaging blank on the article and the pressing can take place essentially simultaneously or one after the other. The height adjustment of the vacuum suction device can be done, for example, via an inside the second shaft 48 guided third wave (not shown) can be realized. Inside the second wave 48 can also use other electrical cables, sensors, etc. be arranged.

The embodiments, examples and variants of the preceding paragraphs, the claims or the following description and the figures, including their different views or respective individual features, can be used independently of one another or in any combination. Features that are described in connection with an embodiment are applicable to all embodiments, provided that the features are not incompatible.

Even if “schematic” representations and views are generally spoken of in connection with the figures, this in no way means that the figure representations and their description should be of secondary importance with regard to the disclosure of the invention. The person skilled in the art is quite able to derive enough information from the schematically and abstractly drawn representations that facilitate his understanding of the invention without having to rely on the drawn and possibly not exactly to scale proportions of the articles, article groups and / or parts the device or other drawn elements would be impaired in its understanding in any way. The figures thus enable the person skilled in the art as a reader to derive a better understanding of the inventive ideas formulated in the claims and in the general part of the description of general and / or more abstractly formulated ideas based on the more specifically explained implementations of the method according to the invention and the more specifically explained mode of operation of the device according to the invention.

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

1

Packaging device

2

items

3

Bottles

4th

Article group

5

first transport device

6

Endless conveyor belt

7th

Handling device

8th

Layer formation module or layer preparation module

9

manipulator

10

Tripod

11

second transport device

12

Endless conveyor belt

13th

Packaging cut

14th

finished container

15th

palletable position

16

Grouping module

17th

Cardboard cutting

18th

Passage openings

19th

Holding or carrying element

20th

Tool

21st

Gripping device

22nd

Neck ring

23

first magazine

24

second magazine

25th

Pressing device

26th

Stamp

27

Distribution device

28

Double row

30th

Delta kinematics robot

31

upper suspension

32

Control arm

33

drive

34

Arm section

35

lower arm section

36

Arm section

37

upper arm section

38

Support ring

39

Linear guide

40

first wave

41

Jaws

42

Toothed belt drive

43

third wave

44

Suspension of the adjusting arms

45

Belt for rotary drive

46

Vacuum cups

47

suction cup

48

second wave

49

Vacuum hose

50

Valve

51

Toothed belt for gripping movement

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 (14)

Packaging device (1) for article groups (4), the article groups (4) comprising at least two articles (2), the packaging device (1) comprising at least one feeding transport device (5) for articles (2) or article groups (4) and a handling device ( 7) for the article groups (4), wherein the handling device (7) has at least one manipulation device (9) for grasping at least one article group (4), wherein the manipulation device (9) is designed to move the detected group of articles (4) into a target position and / or target arrangement within the handling device (7), and wherein the manipulation device (9) comprises at least one tool (20) for fixing a packaging blank (13) to the article (2) of the article group (4), or wherein the manipulation device (9) is assigned at least one tool (20) for fixing a packaging blank (13) on the articles (2) of the article group (4). Packaging device (1) according to Claim 1 wherein the at least one manipulation device (9) is formed by a robot (30) or a tripod (10) with at least one gripping device (21) for the article group (4). Packaging device (1) according to Claim 2 wherein the gripping device (21) comprises the tool (20) for fixing a packaging blank (13) to the article (2) of the article group (4) or wherein the gripping device (21) comprises the tool (20) for fixing a packaging blank (13) is assigned to the article (2) of the article group (4). Packaging device (1) according to one of the Claims 2 or 3 wherein the tool (20) for fixing a packaging blank (13) to the article (2) of the article group (4) is a pressing device. Packaging device (1) according to one of the Claims 2 to 4th wherein the tool (20) for securing a packaging blank (13) to the article (2) of the article group (4) comprises a vacuum suction device (46). Packaging device (1) according to one of the Claims 1 to 5 wherein the handling device (7) is assigned a first magazine (23) for packaging blanks (13) and / or wherein the manipulation device (9) is assigned a second magazine (24) for packaging blanks (13). Packaging device (1) according to Claim 6 , wherein the manipulation device (9) and the second magazine (24) are designed to be movable together. Packaging device (1) according to Claim 2 wherein the tripod (10) has a plurality of shafts for performing a rotary movement and / or for performing a linear movement and / or for operating the tool (20) for fixing the packaging blank (13). Method for applying a packaging blank (13) to article groups (4), the article groups (4) each comprising at least two articles (2), wherein the articles (2) or article groups (4) each comprising at least two articles (2) are fed to a handling device (7), wherein the articles (2) of an article group (4) are detected within the handling device (7) and brought into a target position and / or target arrangement, and wherein the packaging blank (13) is fixed to the articles (2) of the article group (4) by means of the handling device (7) prepared for manipulation. Procedure according to Claim 9 , wherein the packaging blank (13) is placed on the articles (2) of the article group (4) during the feeding of the articles (2) or article groups (4) to the handling device (7) and wherein the packaging blank (13) in connection with the detection of the article group (4) within the handling device (7) on the articles (2) of the article group (4) or the packaging blank (13) in connection with the moving of the article group (4) to the target position and / or target arrangement to the Articles (2) of article group (4) is specified. Procedure according to Claim 9 , wherein the packaging blank (13) within the handling device (7) is placed on the article group (4) before the article group (4) is captured, and the packaging blank (13) in connection with the capture of the article group (4) within the handling device ( 7) on articles (2) of the Article group (4) is determined or the packaging blank (13) is determined in connection with the moving of the article group (4) into the target position and / or target arrangement on the articles (2) of the article group (4). Procedure according to Claim 9 , wherein the packaging blank (13) is placed on the article group (4) when the article group (4) is detected within the handling device (7) and the packaging blank (13) is placed in connection with the detection of the article group (4) within the handling device ( 7) is specified on the articles (2) of the article group (4) or where the packaging blank (13) in connection with the moving of the article group (4) to the target position and / or target arrangement on the articles (2) of the article group (4) is determined. Method according to one of the Claims 9 or 10 , the packaging blank (13) being pressed on inside the handling device (7) by a tool (20) which is arranged on the manipulator for detecting the article group (4) or which is assigned to the manipulator. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the articles (2) within the article group (4) are combined with a first packaging means or connecting means before or during the delivery to the handling device (7).

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